President Al-Zubaidi: We hope to see increased European involvement in supporting the country's development projects

President Aidarous Qassem Al-Zubaidi, President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and Vice Chairman of the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), received on Tuesday at the Ma'asheeq Presidential Palace H.E. Gabriel Munuera Viñales, Head of the EU Mission to Yemen; H.E. Catherine Corm-Kammoun, Ambassador of the Republic of France; and H.E. Jeannette Seppen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

At the outset of the meeting, attended by ministers of the STC within the government, President Al-Zubaidi welcomed the visit of the head of the EU mission and the ambassadors of France and the Netherlands to the capital, Aden, expressed his pleasure at meeting them in the capital after a series of discussions held abroad, lauding the role played by EU countries and the humanitarian support provided to alleviate the suffering of the people caused by the economic crisis that stems from ongoing attacks by the Houthi terrorist militias on oil export facilities, which form the cornerstone of the national economy.

President Al-Zubaidi then outlined the array of challenges facing the country, particularly in the economic and humanitarian aspects, highlighting that the PLC looks forward to friendly EU countries playing a more prominent role in bolstering economic recovery efforts, improving living conditions, and backing sustainable development projects—with a focus on electricity, education, and healthcare.

The president also stressed the need to intensify international endeavors to support institution-building and stability, including the return of embassies and diplomatic missions to resume operating from the capital, Aden, as such steps, would bolster the PLC’s efforts to restore stability in the country.

The meeting touched on the latest political developments and efforts to end the war and bring about peace, following the US decision to redesignate the Houthi militia as a foreign terrorist organization taking effect. In this regard, President Al-Zubaidi urged the EU countries to adopt the same measures as the United States and several friendly countries by designating the Houthi militia as a terrorist organization as a first step to curb this militia and counter its terrorist agenda.

In turn, the head of the EU mission and the ambassadors of France and the Netherlands reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to continuing to support the country, highlighting the importance of strengthening partnerships with the PLC and the government in development and humanitarian fields. Moreover, they stressed the EU’s dedication to backing ongoing reform efforts aimed at mitigating the devastating impact of the economic crisis that has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict ignited by the Houthi militias, including their frequent attacks on oil facilities and international shipping lanes.

At the end of the meeting, both sides underscored the importance of sustained cooperation and coordination to advance peace and development efforts in Yemen and affirmed that stabilizing the country remains a shared priority, vital to fostering security and stability across the region.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Imad Mohammed, office director of the Vice President of the PLC.