Yemen, UAE Discuss Deterring Houthis, Efforts to Implement Donor Pledges

Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik meets with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (Reuters)
Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik meets with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (Reuters)
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Yemen, UAE Discuss Deterring Houthis, Efforts to Implement Donor Pledges

Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik meets with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (Reuters)
Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik meets with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (Reuters)

Yemeni Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik intensified his meetings on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai to coordinate efforts to deter attacked by the Iran-backed Houthi militias on oil ports and launch donor pledges to complete projects and support the economy.

Abdulmalik met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss their countries’ position on all issues and developments of common concern.

The meeting addressed the joint coordination with the Coalition to Support Legitimacy, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to deal with the current developments with the Houthis’ continued intransigence and rejection of efforts for a political solution and renewal of the nationwide truce.

Yemen’s state news agency Saba reported that the meeting tackled coordinated measures to deter the terrorist Houthi attacks on national economic facilities, their threat to international shipping lanes, and their catastrophic repercussions on the humanitarian situation, global security, and peace.

The PM briefed Sheikh Mohamed on the latest developments and reforms, which are backed by the Presidential Leadership Council.

Abdulmalik touched on the support required to boost the reforms in his country, his government's firm position towards peace efforts based on the three references, and the impact of the Yemeni-Emirati understandings and agreements to initiate joint investments in vital projects.

They also addressed the UAE's support for the strategic Hassan Dam to establish a power station in the interim capital Aden, with a capacity of 120 megawatts.

Official sources stated that Abdulmalik discussed with Director-General Chairman of the Board of the Arab Monetary Fund Abdulrahman al-Hamidy efforts to accelerate the launch of pledges announced through the Fund to support the Yemeni economy.

The meeting discussed the reforms undertaken by the government within the framework of the economic program and prospects for future cooperation.

Hamidy briefed the Prime Minister on the programs implemented by the Fund in Yemen, and Abdulmalik praised the Fund's keenness on enhancing the capabilities of national financial institutions.

The premier stressed that the recent developments call for interventions and exceptional action that rises to the level of challenges and supports the government's efforts to maintain the stability of the national economy and alleviate human suffering.

The PM discussed with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva cooperation between the Yemeni government and the Fund.

They addressed the importance of joint action to strengthen the role of state institutions and the programs that the IMF can provide to support the efforts of the government in advancing the reforms to tackle economic challenges and help ease human suffering.

Abdulmalik praised the Fund's technical support in capacity building and transfer of expertise, stressing the need to devise special programs that tackle national challenges, enable economic stability, and resume the path of development.

He highlighted the economic, financial, and monetary developments and the reliable role of Yemen's partners, from donor countries and organizations, in supporting the government's plans, programs, and projects.



UAE, Syria Foreign Ministers Discuss Bolstering Ties on UAE visit

A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)
A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)
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UAE, Syria Foreign Ministers Discuss Bolstering Ties on UAE visit

A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)
A handout photo made available by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) shows United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani (L) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 06 January 2025. (WAM)

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed bolstering "brotherly" ties with Syria during the first official visit by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani to the United Arab Emirates on Monday, Emirati state news agency WAM reported.

The two ministers also discussed the overall developments in Syria since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by opposition factions on Dec. 8.

The UAE's foreign minister reiterated the country's support for Syria's independence and sovereignty, WAM added.

Syria's Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, head of intelligence Anas Khattab and the UAE's minister of state for defense affairs, Mohammed Fadel al-Mazrouei, also attended the meeting.

The UAE is part of Shibani's second foreign tour, which earlier took him to Qatar and will also include a visit to Jordan. He said the visits aim to "support stability, security, economic recovery and build distinguished partnerships", according to his account on X.

Shibani made his first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia last week, where Saudi officials discussed how best to support Syria's political transition.