Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council chief Rashad al-Alimi and Prime Minister Salem bin Buraik have intensified diplomatic outreach in Riyadh to strengthen international backing for economic reforms, stabilize the country, and prepare for this month’s Health Donors Conference and the First National Energy Conference.
State media reported that bin Buraik met with Abda Sharif, the United Kingdom’s ambassador to Yemen, to discuss bilateral cooperation, economic and humanitarian conditions, and preparations for the two conferences, which the government hopes will attract substantial support for the health and energy sectors.
The talks also reviewed financial and administrative reforms supported by international partners and aimed at improving governance and easing humanitarian pressures caused by the Houthi conflict.
Bin Buraik stressed that the government is proceeding with comprehensive reforms to enhance state institutions and balance central–local relations. He underlined the necessity of strong international partnership to support economic recovery and enable the government to meet citizens’ needs.
He described the health donors conference as a key platform for rehabilitating medical facilities, while the energy conference is intended to launch structural reforms in the sector with Saudi and Emirati backing.
Sharif reaffirmed the UK’s support for Yemen’s reform efforts and praised the government’s focus on practical development solutions.
In a separate meeting, bin Buraik discussed economic cooperation with German Ambassador Thomas Schneider, who conveyed greetings from Chancellor Friedrich Merz and pledged continued German support for Yemen’s stability and institution-building.
Al-Alimi also met France’s ambassador, Catherine Corm-Kammoun, to review political developments and French backing for government reforms. He praised France’s role in securing Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping lanes and supporting humanitarian efforts.
Additionally, al-Alimi held talks with Shao Zheng, China’s chargé d’affaires, on expanding economic and security cooperation, particularly efforts to counter weapons smuggling through the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.
