NEW YORK — The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) participated in the international ministerial meeting to support the Yemeni government, held here in conjunction with the UN Security Council meeting. The meeting was co-chaired by Yemeni Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak and British Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Hamish Falconer. SDRPY Director of Developmental Programs Dr. Hala Alsaleh underscored that Saudi Arabia's participation in the meeting reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting Yemen across various sectors. She highlighted the Kingdom's consistent efforts to foster peace and stability in Yemen through comprehensive development initiatives led by the program. Dr. Hala outlined the Kingdom's efforts to support Yemen's economic recovery through direct assistance to the Central Bank, grants, and deposits aimed at strengthening cash reserves and enhancing domestic liquidity. Between 2012 and 2023, Saudi Arabia provided $12 billion in financial support, helping fund the budget, facilitate salary disbursement, and supply oil derivatives to ease the burden on government spending. The Kingdom also made deposits to stabilize the Yemeni riyal's exchange rate and introduced various strategic projects and initiatives to support economic reforms implemented by the Yemeni government. Saudi Arabia remains Yemen's largest historical supporter in the areas of economy, relief, and development. Its participation in the meeting encourages greater engagement from international organizations in supporting development initiatives led by the Yemeni government. SDRPY collaborates with over 40 local, Yemeni, regional, and international partners, reflecting their trust in the Kingdom's leadership and its impactful contributions to Yemen's development and reconstruction efforts. To date, it has implemented 263 development projects and initiatives across 16 Yemeni governorates. These projects have improved connectivity between cities and rural areas, expanded educational opportunities, empowered universities and vocational institutes, enhanced healthcare services, promoted sustainable agriculture through renewable energy, fostered economic empowerment for women and youth, and strengthened resilience against climate change.
