Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Official Web Site
Riyadh
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba met with Japan’s Ambassador to Yemen, Yoichi Nakashima, to discuss bilateral relations and opportunities to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Minister Al-Zouba extended her sincere condolences to the government and people of Japan following the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture. She wished the injured a speedy recovery, expressed hope that those missing would be found safe.
She commended Japan’s longstanding support for Yemen in development, institutional capacity-building, food security, health and education, including projects implemented through United Nations agencies. She also expressed the Yemeni government’s interest in expanding cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), particularly in development and reconstruction.
The meeting also covered the latest developments in Yemen and the threats posed by the Houthi militia to international shipping and global trade. Minister Al-Zouba stressed the importance of safeguarding maritime routes and supporting Yemeni state institutions.
She welcomed the launch of the Saudi-led multinational maritime defence coalition, describing it as an important step towards strengthening maritime security and stability in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Ambassador Nakashima reaffirmed Japan’s support for the Yemeni government and people and its commitment to continuing assistance in the economic, humanitarian and development sectors.