President Al-Alimi reviews bilateral cooperation programs with India

  Riyadh

His Excellency President Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, President of the Presidential Leadership Council, received today, Sunday, H.E. Mr. Suhail Ajaz Khan, Ambassador of the Republic of India to Yemen.

The discussions addressed the long-standing distinguished relations between the two friendly nations and the latest developments in the local situation at various levels.

The meeting touched upon the required international support for economic reforms and the notable improvement in the national currency's position, stemming from coordinated measures between the government and the Central Bank, alongside support from brotherly and friendly nations.

His Excellency praised the bilateral cooperative relations and deep-rooted friendship. He expressed his appreciation—alongside his colleagues in the Council and the government—for India's historical stance in support of the Yemeni people and its legitimate government, including humanitarian interventions such as shipments of wheat, medical supplies, medicines, and COVID-19 vaccines.

His Excellency also expressed gratitude for the scholarship and training programs extended by India to Yemenis through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, which have benefited numerous Yemeni students and trainees in recent years.

President Al-Alimi highlighted the commercial and economic partnership, noting that despite challenging circumstances, bilateral trade volume reached approximately one billion USD over the past year.

He expressed his aspiration for greater facilities for importing Indian wheat at preferential prices and for supporting food security projects, such as developing grain and vegetable production.

He also stressed India’s vital role in ensuring maritime security and global navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which requires supporting the legitimate government to end the Houthi threat, considering it the real guarantor of stability and a capable partner in strengthening shared interests in security and development.

For his part, the Indian Ambassador affirmed his country's support for Yemen's security, stability, and territorial integrity. He emphasized close coordination with the Presidential Leadership Council and the government to advance bilateral relations toward broader horizons and address shared challenges at all levels.

Additionally, he announced that efforts are underway to relocate India's Consular Services Office to the interim capital, Aden, and to assess multiple support programs for the Yemeni government and people.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Yahya Al-Shuaibi, the Director of the Presidency Office.