Minister of Planning Engages in Dialogue with Chinese Diplomat to Enhance Bilateral Cooperation

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The Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Afrah al-Zouba, engaged in a virtual meeting on Monday with Zhao Zheng, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Yemen. The discussion focused on enhancing bilateral relations and exploring avenues for development and economic cooperation between Yemen and China.

During the meeting, the two officials addressed the activation of a memorandum of understanding related to the Belt and Road Initiative, which was signed in 2019. They explored potential collaborations in areas such as solar energy, infrastructure projects, capacity-building programs, and scholarships. The importance of reactivating the Yemeni-Chinese Joint Committee for Economic and Technical Cooperation was also emphasized as a means to facilitate coordination and communication between the two nations.

Minister al-Zouba expressed gratitude for China’s ongoing support for Yemen, outlining the Yemeni government’s priorities in renewable energy, electricity, port development, infrastructure, industrial zones, and the management of minerals and natural resources. She reiterated Yemen’s view of China as a vital development and strategic partner, indicating the ministry’s readiness to coordinate various aspects of cooperation.

In response, Zhao Zheng announced a new development grant of 15 million Chinese yuan from the Chinese government to aid Yemen’s reconstruction and development efforts. He also highlighted that China has implemented a full customs duty exemption for all Yemeni products exported to China, which is expected to boost trade and create new opportunities for Yemeni exporters.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Yemen and China. Zhao expressed hopes for high-level Yemeni participation in the upcoming Second Arab-Chinese Summit, reaffirming China’s commitment to supporting Yemen through reconstruction assistance and expanding scholarship and training programs in various fields, including technology, medicine, agriculture, and public administration.