Yemen’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shayea al-Zindani said new Saudi economic support to cover public sector salaries and help reduce the budget deficit reflects the deep-rooted ties between the two countries and underscores Riyadh’s continued commitment to backing the Yemeni people in all circumstances.
The Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen announced on Thursday fresh budget support of about $347 million (1.3 billion Saudi riyals) to finance operational expenses, pay salaries and address the Yemeni government’s urgent needs, as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to promote stability and growth.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Zindani said the funding would strengthen the government’s performance, enabling it to press ahead with economic reforms, meet salary obligations, deliver basic services and improve living conditions.
He said the latest assistance, alongside previous support, reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s steadfast backing for Yemen and bolstered the state’s ability to meet its commitments to public employees, easing humanitarian pressures and reinforcing economic stability.
Zindani said the move reflected the vision of the Saudi leadership and its commitment to Yemen’s security and stability, describing the country as a strategic depth and a key pillar of regional security.
He also highlighted the role of Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and the program’s efforts in advancing stability and development.
Prince Khalid said in a post on his official X account that the support was provided in implementation of the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in response to the urgent need to support the Yemeni government in paying salaries.
Rashad al-Alimi, chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, said the assistance sent “an important message of confidence” in the recovery path and in the new government’s ability to rebuild state institutions, consolidate security and stability, and work closely with “the loyal brotherly team led by Prince Khalid bin Salman” to achieve the desired transformation.
He added that the support confirmed the partnership with Saudi Arabia was “not circumstantial, but a strategic choice for a brighter future.”
According to the program, the funding aims to strengthen economic and financial stability, reduce the budget deficit, ensure regular government financial flows and salary payments, and improve fiscal management, placing the national economy on a more sustainable track and advancing economic and social development.
The support is expected to boost purchasing power, stabilize household incomes, improve living standards and stimulate commercial markets, contributing to economic stability and sustainable recovery.
Saudi Arabia remains Yemen’s largest historical supporter in humanitarian, development and economic fields. The program said that total Saudi economic and development assistance between 2012 and 2026 exceeded $12.6 billion, with interventions serving as a key pillar of recovery at both macro and micro levels.
Since its establishment in 2018 by order of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and with the Crown Prince's empowerment, the program has helped entrench sustainable development, mitigate humanitarian and economic impacts, and promote comprehensive development that benefits current and future generations.
The program said it has implemented 268 development projects and initiatives across eight vital sectors at a total cost exceeding $1 billion, improving infrastructure and basic services, strengthening food security, building Yemeni capacity and creating jobs, in support of efforts to achieve lasting peace and comprehensive, sustainable development.
