President Al-Zubaidi Discusses Political and Economic Developments with French Ambassador

President Aidarous Qassem Al-Zubaidi, President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and vice chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), received today, Wednesday, in the capital, Aden, Her Excellency Catherine Corm-Kammoun, Ambassador of the Republic of France to Yemen.

The meeting reviewed recent developments in the political, humanitarian, and economic landscape, in addition to coordinating joint efforts to support the government in implementing genuine reforms aimed at improving state institutions to face current challenges.

The discussion focused deeply on the worsening economic situation and its severe repercussions on citizens. President Al-Zubaidi stressed the urgent need to activating sovereign resources and depositing all revenues into the Central Bank to bolster financial stability and reduce monetary fragmentation, and highlighted the pivotal role of regional and international actors in assisting the government with these efforts.

The two sides also touched on the humanitarian support provided by the French government within the European Union framework, which targets those most affected by the country’s humanitarian crisis. In this context, President Al-Zubaidi expressed gratitude for French assistance in women’s empowerment and the rehabilitation of cultural infrastructure in the capital, Aden, and other governorates.

In a separate context, the meeting discussed the Houthi escalations in the Red Sea and the dangerous economic measures recently taken by the Houthi militia, particularly the minting and circulation of unauthorized currency in areas under their control, where the French ambassador reiterated her country’s condemnation of these actions, calling them dangerous and irresponsible, and stressed that they worsen the economic crisis and deepen monetary division.

At the end of the meeting, President Al-Zubaidi lauded France's positions in supporting the country and its positive role on the political and humanitarian levels, and reaffirmed the commitment of the PLC to strengthen bilateral relations and promote the partnership with Frence in serving the aspirations of our people towards peace and stability.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Mohammed Al-Ghaithi, a member of the STC's Presidium and Head of the Consultation and Reconciliation Commission (CRC) supporting the PLC; Dr. Nasser Al-Khubaji, Head of the Political Commission assisting the Presidium of the STC; Head of the Negotiations Affairs Unit, Mr. Imad Mohammed, office director of the Vice President of the PLC; and Mr. Anis Al-Sharafi, Deputy Director of the STC’s Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Authority (FEAA).