Japanese school donates JPY 40,000 to rain-affected victims in Yemen

[24 December 2008]

JAPAN, Dec. 24 (Saba) - Yemeni ambassador to Japan Marwan Noman received here on Wednesday JPY 40,000 donation from a Japanese school to the victims of heavy rains hit governorates of Hadramout and Mahrah last October. During his meeting with a delegation from students of Shiroshi Dai Secondary School at Shiba governorate of Japan, the diplomat Noman thanked the students for their human feeling towards Yemen. Yemeni embassy will send the donation to the account of the affected people at the Bank For Reconstruction and Development.

Japan grants YR 34 mln to support two domestic projects in Yemen

[24 December 2008]

SANA'A, Dec. 24 (Saba) - The Japanese government offered two grants at sum of YR 34 million to fund two domestic projects in Ibb and Taiz governorates under the Japanese scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass Roots Human Security projects". In its press release, the Japanese Embassy in Sana'a said that the program aims at supporting small domestic projects to response to the basic human needs such as health, education and water. The agreements of the two grants were signed by the Japanese ambassador to Sana'a Masakazu Toshikage and head of the Ibb local council Adel al-Shoaibi and director of the Mawza cooperative agriculture society in Taiz Mohammed al-Salahi. The first grant -at amount of YR 17 million- will be used for supplying citizens of al-Sabrah district with drink waters. The second grant is amount of YR 17 million. It will be used for setting up a school for boys and girls in Mawza district of Taiz governorate. During the current Japanese fiscal year (April 2008-March 2009) Japan funded ten grass-root projects in Yemen, totaling $737,876 under the above mentioned scheme including the aforementioned two projects, during the past Japanese fiscal year (April 2007-March 2009), Japan funded 17 grass-roots projects in Yemen totaling $1,337,350 under the same scheme.

President congratulates Japan's Emperor on birthday

[22 December 2008]

SANA'A, Dec. 22 (Saba) - President Ali Abdullah Saleh sent on Monday a cable of congratulation to Japan's Emperor Akihito on his birthday. In his cable, President Saleh wished the emperor good health, long life and happiness and the Japanese people further progress and prosperity. Japan's Empror celebrates his birthday on December 23.

Yemen to receive the forth gas tanker next March

[18 December 2008]

SANA'A, Dec. 18 (Saba) - Yemen is due to receive the forth tanker next March 2009 for completing the fleet of transporting natural liquefied gas, said Minister of Oil Amir al-Aidrus. Upon arrival from Japan where he received the third tanker "Seri Balhaf", al-Aidrus made it clear that the forth tanker will be finished soon. By receiving this tanker the fleet that would transport the gas to American and European markets would be finished. He indicated that the third tanker has been constructed by Japanese Mitsubishi Company with latest technology used for this industry. He said the Yemeni Project for Liquefied Natural Gas is going on with unique and developed steps, giving good example outside. He pointed out that the project would have directed revenue to country budget and national income and would give Yemen also new merit for its ability to adopt such giant project which is considered one of the greatest projects in the world.

Oil Minister launches gas tanker

[15 December 2008]

NAGASAKI, Dec. 15 (Saba) - Minister of Oil and Minerals Emir al-Aidrus launched on Monday operating the gas tanker "Seri Balhaf", Japanese Mitsubishi Company has made for the Yemen Liquefied Natural Gas Company or YLNG. The company has started manufacturing the tanker on February 2007 and can carry 155 thousands cubic meters. The tanker is considered the third one within a fleet of the YLNG that is due to receive a forth one next March 2009. Worth to mention that the Yemeni Company for Liquefied Natural Gas is constructing a strategic project with the capital exceeds $3.5 billions for producing and exporting natural liquefied gas to a number of foreign countries.

Japan grants $800,000 for affected people in Eastern Area

[13 December 2008]

SANA'A, Dec. 13 (Saba) - The Japanese government offered US $800,000 as an assistant for the people affected by the floods hit governorates of Hadramout and Mahrah last October. The Japanese aid comes in response to the Yemen's plan for dealing with the floods' consequences presented by the United Nation and ratified by the Yemeni government. A press release issued by the Japanese embassy indicated that Japan will offer $500,000 through the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to fund its projects, including distribution of refugees' tools and collecting information about the flood-affected people as well as supporting the government's program for missed documents. The rest of the amount ($300,000) will be presented via the United Nations Children's Fund (UNCEF) to be assisted to cover a part of its projects in the affected areas that aims to prevent the environment deterioration in water and sanitation areas, to facilitate access to safe drinking water and decent sanitation facilities and to improve the health and food conditions in these two governorates. The UNCEF projects also include an estimate for the protection needs of children through setting up a monitor mechanism to protect children and providing the necessary services in addition to supporting children's return to school. It is worth mentioning that Japan granted Yemen last October relief stuffs amounting to $200,000 including tents, mattresses, blankets and plastic sheets. Thus, the total of Japanese aid to those affected governorates reached $1 million.

Yemen, Japan discuss combating piracy

[13 December 2008]

SANA'A, Dec. 13 (Saba) - Yemen and Japan discussed here on Saturday issues regarding fighting against piracy and terrorism. Deputy Primer for Defense and Security Affairs Rashad al-Alimi held talks with a delegation from the Japanese Coastguard on cooperation relations in coastguard area. Al-Alimi praised assistance presented by Japan for the Yemeni coastguards, pointing out the need to strengthen cooperation in future, particularly in the technical, training fields. For his part, the head of Japanese delegation affirmed readiness of Japan to support the Coastguard Authority to serve the joint interests.

Oil minister leaves Yemen for Japan

[12 December 2008]

SANA'A, Dec. 12 (Saba) - Minister of Oil and Minerals and board chairman of the Yemeni Liquefied Natural Gas Company Amir al-Aidaros left Sana'a for Japan for several days official visit. In his statement to Saba upon his departure, al-Aidaros said that he would attend a ceremony of handing over a tanker of liquefied natural gas which has been done by Japanese Mitsubishi Company. The tanker would transport gas from Balhaf seaport to United Sates in favor of Total company for gas and energy. Al-Aidaros said that he would hold meetings with the heads of the Japanese oil companies over opportunities of investment in the fields of oil, gas and minerals in Yemen.

Yemen, Japan sign $6.5 mln agreement to build 5 schools

[05 December 2008]

TOKYO, Dec. 05 (Saba) - Deputy Minister of Education for Projects Sector Abdul- Karim al-Jandari singed on Friday with the director general of the Japanese Construction Company an agreement to set up and equip 5 schools for primary education in Yemen financed by the Japanese government. The project cost totaled at $6.5 and it will be started on 31 March, 2009.

Ministry of technical education and JICA sign cooperation agreement

[29 November 2008]

SANA'A, Nov. 29 (Saba) - Ministry of Technical Education and Vocational Training and Japanese International Cooperation Agency JICA signed on Saturday a cooperation agreement for carrying out a project of improving the vocational training sector in Yemen. Under the agreement, the project would focus on improving level of the vocational training in field maintenance of cars at Dhahban Industrial Institute in Sana'a city. The agreement was signed by the deputy minister of technical education and vocational training Alawi BaFaqih and the JICA representative to Yemen. Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Ibrahim Hajari praised support of the Japanese agency for supporting quality of the technical education in Yemen. For his part, the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Masakazu Toshikage said that the project is first done by the Japanese agency in field of technical education in Yemen, calling on all for gathering efforts to bring the project into success.

Japan's projects in Hadramout province reviewed

[26 November 2008]

MUKALLA, Nov. 26 (Saba) - Hadramout governor reviewed on Wednesday with the Japanese ambassador to Sana'a Masakazu Toshikage the Japanese projects in the areas of water and health provided to Hadramout province. The governor was briefed on to the objectives of the visit of the Japanese ambassador to Hadramout and pointed out to the Japanese projects including improvement of medical service in Ba Wazeir Hospital and combating malaria in the coastal areas at the cost of 233 thousand dollars. During the meeting, the governor praised efforts of the Japanese government to provide assistance for Yemen. For his part, Japanese diplomat expressed his government's readiness to continue support for such projects and contribute to providing relief and reconstructing infrastructure in Hadramout province due to the rains and floods. It is worth to mention that the Japanese government has funded over the past three years more than 64 small projects in Yemen within the framework of the Japanese program at total cost of $5.2 million.

Health ministry and JICA sign cooperation agreement

[26 November 2008]

SANA'A, Nov. 26 (Saba) - Ministry of public health and population and Japanese International Development Agency JICA signed on Wednesday an agreement of cooperation in field of food health at sum of one million dollar. The program targets six districts of Sana'a, Ibb and Hadramout governorates. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Public Health and Population Abdul-Kareem Rase and JICA representative. In a press conference, the JICA representative expressed readiness of the Japanese government to offer support to Yemen in health sector within the strong friendship between the two nations. He reviewed development projects which are being implemented by the agency in Yemen.

Japan ready to update Yemeni coastguard infrastructure

[25 November 2008]

SANA'A, Nov. 25 (Saba) - Japan affirmed Tuesday his country's readiness to provide various kinds of support to Yemen to improve infrastructure of Yemeni coastguards. Interior Minister Mutahar al-Masri held talks with Japanese ambassador to Sana'a Masakazu Toshikage on the Japanese government's support to develop Yemeni coastguard. They discussed providing the coastguard with the requisite equipments to be enabled to safeguard the international navigation in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea. The minister praised assistance provided by the Japanese government to update Yemeni coastguard's capabilities.

Japan grants YR 32 mln to improve water and clearing services in al-Dali'a and Shabwa

[17 November 2008]

SANA'A, Nov. 17 (Saba) - The Japanese government has decided to extend grants to two grass roots projects in al-Dali'a and Shabwa governorates under the Japanese scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass Roots Human Security projects" at sum of YR 32 million. According to the press release of the Japanese embassy in Sana'a, Masakazu Toshikage, ambassador of Japan to Yemen signed on Monday in Sana'a two agreements to this effect with Sadiq Al-Adrisis, General Manager of Cleaning and Improvement Fund of al-Dali'a governorate and Dr. Ishaq al-Suba'i, President of the Modem Youth Society of Shabwa governorate. The first grant is at amount of more than YR 16 million will be used for the project of improving environmental public health in Damt city, by Al-Dali'a Cleaning and Improvement Fund who would purchase four garbage dump trunks. The press release said that the grant aims at improving the cleaning services by boosting the environment and the public health of the inhabitants in the city of Damt. The second grant is at a sum of nearly YR 16 million which will be used for the project of improving the water supply system in Khamar area, Ataq district of Shabwa governorate. Under the agreement, the Modern Youth Society of Shabwa governorate would use the money to purchase a submersible pump unit and a generator. the embassy said that the grant aims at providing clean drinking water to the inhabitants, through reducing sufferings of women and children from the heavy labor burden, and improving the health condition of the inhabitants in the area. Thousands of citizens will benefit from these two projects in the two governorates. During the current Japanese fiscal year (April 2008- March 2009) Japan funded ten grass- root projects in Yemen, totaling $737,876 under the above mentioned scheme including the aforementioned two projects, during the past Japanese fiscal year ( April 2007- March 2009), Japan funded 17 grass-roots projects in Yemen totaling $1,337,350 under the same scheme.

Yemen, JICA discuss enhancing cooperation

[17 November 2008]

SANA'A, Nov. 17 (Saba) - Yemen and Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) discussed here on Monday means of reinforcing cooperation to realize the joint goals. Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Abdul Karim al-Arhabi and the JICA resident representative in Sana'a discussed the implementation progress of the JICA-funded projects in the country in areas of health, vocational training and education. Al-Arhabi hailed the JICA's contributions to support the development process in the country. The JICA's official voiced its agency's readiness to present all possible assistance to prop up development in Yemen.

Health ministry, JICA discuss health cooperation

[16 November 2008]

SANA'A, Nov. 16 (Saba) - Minister of Public Health and Population Abdul-Kareem Rasa discussed on Sunday with the visiting Japanese delegation headed by advisor of Japanese international cooperation agency JICA over cooperation between the ministry and the agency. They discussed possibilities of extending project of health projects funded by the agency to other three governorates. The aim of the project is to improve childhood and motherhood health. The project would be started by next year.

Japan offers $100,000 to improve education in Yemen

[16 November 2008]

SANA'A, Nov. 16 (Saba) - The Japanese embassy in Yemen announced on Sunday granting $100,000 to improve the educational environment in the schools targeted by Bridge project to develop girl education. The announcement came during signing a minute of completing Bridge project, being carried out currently in Taiz governorate, by the Deputy Education Minister Abdullah al-Hamadi and the resident representative of Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Sana'a. The minute stipulated the continuation of Bridge project, training teaches and heads of the targeting schools and creating a mechanism for the direct transferring of the financial allocations to the accounts of the teagting schools. Moreover, the ministry should approve appointing 125 teachers, of whom the project has contracted with, in addition to extending the projects to add 60 new schools besides the 59 current ones in throughout the governorate districts.

Yemen, JICA girl's education project discussed

[08 November 2008]

SANA'A, Nov. 08 (Saba) - Deputy Education Minister Abdullah al-Hamidi discussed on Saturday with resident representative of JICA Kenichi Sasaki ways of promoting cooperation between Yemen and JICA in the areas of education. The talks dealt with the final report of Bridge Project for developing girl's education in Taiz province targeting 59 schools in the six districts of the province and the positive results to increase the enrollment of girl's education. During the meeting, al-Hamidi affirmed the importance of activating the community participation in education and promotion of schools capacities in addition to providing contracts by JICA with 128 teachers in some of the target areas.

Omani, Japanese assistance arrive at Sayoun airport

[03 November 2008]

SAYOUN, Nov. 03 (Saba) - Omani and Japanese assistance arrived on Monday at Sayoun airport including insecticides and machine for spraying pesticides in addition to quantities of domestic supplies, generators and vaccines for snakes toxin. Yemen Galo Oil Company provided 100 tons of foodstuff, and 48 trucks from Shabwa province containing food and relief materials at cost YR 23 million. Deputy Hadramout governor Fahed al-Ejaam praised the effort made by friends to assist the the victims of heavy rains that lashed the eastern provinces of Hadramout and Mahara.

Material aid worth $200.000 for rain affected people provided by Japan

[02 November 2008]

SANA'A, Nov. 02 (Saba) - Deputy minister of Public Health and Population Majed al-Junaid received on Sunday four tones of material aid provided by the Japanese government for people affected by rains in the eastern provinces of Hadramout and Maharah. The aid, worth $200.000, is considered the first package among seven tones of relief aid to be provided for the affected, deputy Japanese ambassador in Sana'a Matahiro Yamajutchi, who handed over the package, said. These materials included 50 family-sized tents, 400 mattresses, 20 water filters and 60 kg of plastic boards. The deputy said his government had decided to help the Yemeni government deal with the rain calamity effects through relief aid to be provided through the Japanese International Cooperation Agency JICA.

Mitsubishi Corporation plans to invest in natural gas in Yemen

[01 November 2008]

SANA'A, Nov. 01 (Saba) - The Japanese Mitsubishi Corporation has announced its intention to invest in Yemen in the field of natural gas. Deputy minister of Oil and Minerals Ahmed Abdullah Daris said during a meeting with a delegation from the corporation led the group corporation director general for gas affairs that the ministry will convey the company message to relevant authorities in the country for study. At the meeting, the delegation reviewed most important activities the company carry out in a number of Arab and foreign states, expressing intentions to invest in the gas area. The Mitsubishi Corporation is a member in the Mitsubishi Group and the Japan's largest trading company.

BRIDGE succeeds in increasing girls' student enrollment, official says

[29 October 2008]

SANA'A, Oct. 29 (Saba) - Broadening Regional Initiative for Developing Girls' Education (BRIDGE) in Taiz Governorate has succeeded in increasing girls' student enrollment, Deputy Education Minister Abdullah al-Hamadi said Wednesday. During the opening of the BRIDGE final workshop here in Sana'a that the girls' student enrollment reached high rates in 59 schools in six targeted districts in the governorate. Al-Hamadi said the BRIDGE, started in Taiz Governorate in 2005 funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)'s technical cooperation project, has cost about YR 108.8 million, Taiz Local Council and Education Office has contributed to 16.7 million of the amount. The BRIDGE has assists in constructing schools, classrooms for girls, building capacities of teachers and schools administration as well as promoting community participation in school improvement. He noted that the Taiz Local Council has added YR 15 million in 2009 budget targeting 60 other schools in three districts besides the previous targeted schools.

Japan provides Relief materials worth $200,000 for eastern provinces

[29 October 2008]

SANA'A, Oct. 29 (Saba) - The Japanese government has provided relief materials worth $200,000 for people affected by the rainstorms that hit the provinces of Hadramout and Maharah in eastern Yemen. The Japanese embassy in Sana'a said in a press release that the relief materials would be provided through the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and will include 50 large family size tents, 400 mattresses, 400 blankets, water filters and other materials.

Japan grants Yemen YR 785 for agricultural equipment

[12 October 2008]

SANA'A, Oct. 12 (Saba) - Japanese government agreed Sunday on financing purchase of agricultural equipments at cost of YR 785 for supporting the government's efforts for agricultural developments. The Japanese deputy ambassador Matahiro Yamaguchi announced that during his meeting with Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Mansur al-Hawshabi here on Sunday. Al-Hawshabi lauded the Japanese assistance to support the country's efforts, especially in reinforcing agricultural sector to realize the food security. The grant comes to support Yemen to improve its economic conditions, the Japanese diplomat said. The meeting also dealt with some issues regarding the Japanese grant for 2008, after finalizing the requisite surveys for extending the grant conducted by a Japanese team which ended up with signing a detailed memorandum between both sides. On the other hand, Agricultural Minister held a meeting with development international consultant Peter Liliz assigned by an investment company to conduct an investment strategy in Yemen in different fields, particularly agriculture. The meeting highlighted the investment features and opportunities in the country in addition to the merits offered by the Yemeni Investment Law.

Yemen, JICA discuss supporting society feeding activities

[08 October 2008]

SANA'A, Oct. 08 (Saba) - Yemen and JICA discussed here on Wednesday aspects of cooperation in supporting society feeding activities. Minister of Public Health and Population Abdul Karim Rase'a held talks with Feeding Expert of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on supporting nutrition activities under the community initiatives and partnership between government and non-governmental bodies in this regard, especially for women and children. The minister affirmed the importance of joint coordination to implement community-based nutrition program in a number of targeted provinces as a first stage.

Japan condemns terrorist attack on US Embassy in Sana'a

[22 September 2008]

TOKYO, Sep 21 (Saba) - Japan has seriously condemned the terrorist attack which targeted on Wednesday the US embassy in Sana'a. The statement issued by Japanese Foreign Ministry said that "Japan seriously condemns this brutal attack which resulted in the death and injury of a number of persons, and any barbaric acts targeting innocents." The Japanese Foreign Ministry confirmed that terrorist acts are denounced and unjustifiable under any reason. The statement expressed the Japanese government and people's condolences to the Yemeni government, people and the families of the victims of these barbaric acts.

Yemen participates in Travel Exhibition

[20 September 2008]

TOKYO, Sep 20 (Saba) - Yemen has participated in activities of International Travel Exhibition being organized by Japanese Association of Travel Agents in cooperation with the government and international travel agencies. Yemen's Ambassador to Japan, H. E. Mr. Marwan Noman, attended the opening ceremony of the Exhibition and visited Yemen's exhibition that received great numbers of Japanese audience. Worth mentioning the Exhibition is one of the greatest international tourist Exhibitions participated by travel agencies from across the world.

Yemen to host regional meeting on combating piracy

[16 September 2008]

SANA'A, Sep 16 (Saba) - Yemen will host the second regional meeting on combating piracy which to be held on 27-30 October in participation of representatives of 20 countries. Diplomatic sources pointed out that the 20 countries would sign a memorandum of understanding to combat piracy and armed robbery against ships sailing in the Gulf of Aden. The Gulf of Aden has witnessed an increasing piracy in the past few months which posed dangers against the international navigation movement in the region, according to official reports. An official source in Transportation Ministry said to the state-run 26sep.net that Yemen had decided to set up three centres for monitoring the international waters in the Gulf of Aden as part of efforts to fight piracy and human trafficking in the Horn of Africa. "The centres would be established in the port cities of Aden and Mukalla on the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea port of Houdieda", added the source. The sources affirmed that Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Djibouti, Jordan, Somalia, Comoros, France, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Madagascar, Maldives, The Seychelle Islands, South Africa, Tanzania, Eritrea, Mozambique and Yemen would sign the memorandum of understanding. Since July, 12 ships have been hijacked in the narrow waterway separating Yemen and Somalia by heavily-armed pirates operating high-powered speedboats, according to the International Maritime Bureau. Eleven are still being held for ransom. Two rockets were fired at a French tuna fishing boat some 700 kilometres (435 miles) off the Somali coast on Saturday, in a sign the pirates are moving further out to sea to evade military patrols in coastal shipping areas. Maritime experts say many attacks go unreported along Somalia's 3,700 kilometres of largely unpatrolled coastline. The UN Security Council in June adopted a resolution authorising foreign warships to enter Somalia's territorial waters with the government's consent to combat pirates, though it has yet to be implemented.

Japan grants $4 mln to Yemeni junior farmers

[16 September 2008]

SANA'A, Sep 15 (Saba) - the Japanese government announced presenting 4 million to buy 250 tractors for junior farmers in Yemen. In a press release by the embassy of Japan in Sana'a, this grant comes within constitutions of the Japanese government to support program of agriculture ministry to increase range of the agricultural areas in Yemen. The embassy said that field of supporting junior farmers is one of the key domains of assistance granted by the Japanese government in framework of agreements signed between Yemeni and Japanese governments.

Yemen, US, EC, Japan, Malaysia discuss piracy in region

[10 September 2008]

SANA'A, Sep 10 (Saba) - Deputy Prime Minister for Security and Defense affairs Rashad al-Alimi held talks here on Wednesday with the ambassadors of US, European Commission (EC), Japan and Malaysia on the piracy phenomenon off the Somali coasts. The meeting dealt with the risks of this phenomenon and its negative consequences and damages on the international navigation as well as impacts on the regional security. During the meeting, attended by Minister of Defense, Interior Minister, Minister of Transport, Deputy Foreign Minister and several concerned officials, al-Alimi briefed the ambassadors to efforts Yemen exerts to combat this phenomenon in spite of limited potentials. He accentuated the importance of regional and international cooperation to but an end to the piracy acts and to support government's efforts, especially in establishing regional centers for monitoring piracy and providing support to Yemeni coastguard and marine forces.

Yemen wages war on pirates in regional waters

[09 September 2008]

SANA'A, Sep 09 (Saba) - Yemen has deployed 1000 soldiers and 16 military boats so far to fight piracy in its regional waters of Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab. A source in the authority said that the purpose of these security enhancements is to reduce operations launched by Somali pirates against ships passing through this important international navigation route, according to the ruling party GPC-run al-motamar.net. Moreover, the Yemeni Coastguard Authority intensified its security patrols throughout the twenty-four hours to reinforce the protection of ships and reduce piracy operations. The deployment of these soldiers came after being subjected to intensive training programs related to rapid hunting, monitoring the pirates' movements at sea, responding to the SOS calls as soon as possible and free the ships that might be in the hands of kidnappers, in addition to undergoing fighting training in the event that armed confrontations take place. Worth mentioning, Yemen is discussing with the Joint Forces in the African Horn in addition to Malaysia and Japan to establish a regional center to fight piracy and reinforce the protection of the international navigation route via Aden Gulf.

Al-Kurshmi meets Japanese ambassador

[09 September 2008]

SANA'A, Sep 09 (Saba) - Minister of Public Works and Roads Omer al-Kurshmi met on Tuesday with the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Masakazu Toshikage. The meeting discussed the possibility of developing and modernizing the General Corporation for Roads and Bridges through renewing its workshop and maintaining its equipment with support from Japan. At the meeting the two brought up new requirements the workshop needs as well as the issue of training the workshop cadres to cope with technical development and improve production. Al-Kurshmi appreciated Japanese support for Yemen particularly in the public works and roads area. For his part, Toshikage affirmed that his country is interested in promoting its relations with Yemen in various fields.

Yemen partakes in France, Japan exhibitions

[08 September 2008]

SANA'A, Sep08 (Saba) - Yemen will participate, represented by a high level delegation, in the annual activation session for Top Riza Exhibition to be held in the French capital of Paris during the period September 16-19 and the annual session of the exhibition Jatta to be held in Japan during the period September 18-21. In a statement to Saba, Executive Director of the Tourism Promotion Board Ahmed al-Beil said that Yemen's participation in the activities of international expositions comes within a program of Yemen to participate in exhibitions and international forums on the tourism industry. He clarified that the participation aims to promote Yemen's tourism in the European tourism market and identify the latest developments in tourism industry. He pointed out that the activation of the international exhibition includes encouraging the participants through these exhibitions to visit Yemen, expanding areas of cooperation between tourist companies and international exhibitors and to make clear the image of Yemen.

Yemen seeks Japanese support for establishing regional fighting piracy center

[07 September 2008]

SANA'A, Sep 07 (Saba) - Minister of Transport Khalid Ibrahim al-Wazeer met on Sunday the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Masakazu Toshikage to discuss the possibility of getting Japanese support to establish a regional center for combating maritime piracy. The meeting brought up aspects of cooperation between the two countries in areas such as sea transport as well as fighting sea piracy. Al-Wazeer stressed the necessity of setting up such center which as he says will not only serve regional interests but also help boost international efforts to fight sea piracy in international waters near Somalia. Toshikage expressed his government readiness to support the center, adding that Japan is now considering to support Yemen to train its coastguards.

Government, JICA discuss further cooperation

[30 August 2008]

SANA'A, Aug 30 (Saba) - The government and Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) held talks on Saturday for discussing expanding cooperation between the two parts. Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul-Karim al-Arhabi who chaired the meeting highlighted continuous development cooperation relations between Yemen and Japan, expressing government's appreciations to JICA's contributions in supporting Yemen's development and its initiative to open an office in Yemen. For his part, JICA's vice chairman affirmed the agency's keenness on supporting development in Yemen, highlighting achievements the country realized in applying reforms. The meeting dealt with future Japanese support to Yemen development programs in addition to another support in fields of technical education and vocational training, health and rural water.

Japan abolishes $16.8 mln of Yemen's debt

[30 August 2008]

SANA'A, Aug 30 (Saba) - Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Abdul Karim al-Arhabi and Japanese ambassador to Yemen Masakazu Toshikage signed Saturday memos for abolishing $16.8 million of Yemen's debt to Japan. Speaking to Saba, al-Arhabi expressed Yemeni government's appreciation to Japan's initiative for abolishing part of Yemen's debt to Japan, indicating that this initiative reflects continuous development Yemeni- Japanese cooperation relations witness. The initiative that comes in the framework of supporting Yemen's development is not the first of its kind. Tokyo has previously abolished $38 million of Yemen's total debt for years 2003-2007.

JICA vice president starts Yemen visit

[29 August 2008]

SANA'A, Aug 29 (Saba) - Vice president of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Kenzo Oshima started on Friday a visit to Yemen aimed at taking part in a consulting meeting between Yemen and the JICA. The meeting is to start next Saturday in Sana'a. Oshima said the meeting will be dedicated to discussing issues of mutual concern as well as Yemeni projects that would need support from the JICA in areas such as health, education and training Yemeni officials. Oshima said this comes in the interest of the two countries to activate agreements signed by them previously.

Yemen, Japan sign annual agriculture grant memo

[28 August 2008]

SANA'A, Aug 28 (Saba) - Yemen and Japan signed on Thursday a detailed memorandum regarding a new annual grant to support small farmers in Yemen. The memorandum included the purchase of agricultural equipments to be distributed to the farmers in the targeted areas for supporting them to increase production and improve their living conditions. After the signing ceremony, Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Mansur Ahmad al-Hawshabi praised Japan's support to develop the agriculture sector in Yemen, noting the memorandum was a positive step to increase the Japanese aids to agricultural productions and enhance the role of agricultural sector to realize food security in the country. He pointed out that Japan's assistance comes within the framework of the current relations of cooperation between the two friendly countries. For his part, Resident Representative of Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Yemen Office Kenichi Sasaki affirmed Japan's readiness to raise assistance in the domain of providing agricultural equipments Yemeni farmers need. He confirmed his country's keenness to assist Yemeni farmers to develop and improve their activities and living conditions. The memorandum was signed in Sana'a by Sasaki and deputy Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Abdul Malek al-Arashi.

Yemen, Japan hold talks on cooperation in girl education

[17 August 2008]

SANA'A, Aug 17 (Saba) - Deputy Minister of Education for Girl Education Sector Foziah Noman held talks on Sunday with the Japanese mission, which is currently visiting Yemen headed Mazino Kabako. The talks focused on final evaluation for the activities of supporting girl education in Yemen by Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The two sides also discussed positive outcomes of the bridge project for encouraging girls to enroll into schools, which has been started implementation in Taiz governorate since 2006. The project, will be ended next November, targeted 59 schools in six districts of Taiz province. The project achieved 97 percent of enrollment of girls into schools in the six districts, according to the officials of the project. The two sides also agreed that the local authority of Taiz governorate would continue the project and draw its plans and budget to be supported by the government. Noman highlighted Japanese support for the program of girl education in Yemen, wishing continuance of the support in this regard. The Japanese officials confirmed continuing support of Japan for education in Yemen in general and girl education in particular.

Japan grants Yemen $134,000 to improve Dammar water

[17 August 2008]

SANA'A, Aug 17 (Saba) - The Japanese Government gifted Dammar governorate about $134,000 to improve the water supply system in al-Kaina'ei area. The grant presented by the Japanese ambassador Masakazu Toshikage aims to provide the area's inhabitants with safe drinking water and to alleviate the women and children's suffering form fetching water from remote wells in addition to improve the health condition in general in al-Kaina'ei area. It is estimated that around 3,000 persons from Manar district will gain advantage from this gift. The government of Japan has financed during the three past years about 54 small-scale community-based projects amounting to $4.5 million in domains of primary health care, basic education and water supply in rural areas.

JICA official to visit Yemen by end of August

[15 August 2008]

SANA'A, Aug 15 (Saba) - A senior official in the Japanese International Cooperation Agency JICA would visit Yemen by the end of the current month, according to 26 September weekly. The weekly said that the Japanese official would hold talks with the officials in the planning ministry to enhance mutual cooperation in development fields as well as discuss horizons of the future cooperation and projects that would be funded by the Japanese agency. Recently, Japan has granted Yemen $4 million for unallocated projects.

Japanese girl education project in Taiz discussed

[13 August 2008]

TAIZ, Aug 13 (Saba) - Taiz governor Hamoud al-Sofi held a meeting on Wednesday with the Japanese team of evaluating girl education project "Bridge" The project is funded by the he Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in the governorate since three years ago. The project targeted 59 schools in six districts of the governorate. The governor valued efforts of the Japanese side in enhancing education Yemen, highlighting achievements of the project. He wished extension of the project to cover other districts in the governorate.

2nd Japanese cultural week in Sana'a inaugurated

[02 August 2008]

SANA'A, Aug 02 (Saba) - Minister of Culture Mohammed al-Maflhi inaugurated on Saturday at the Japanese ambassador's house in Sana'a the 2nd Japanese Cultural Week activities which will continue till Sunday August 3, 2008. In the festival of the inauguration which attended by a number of Arab and Foreign ambassadors, al-Muflahi reviewed assistances provided by Japan to Yemen in the cultural fields. The Japanese ambassador Masakazu Toshikage confirmed that the 2nd Japanese Cultural Week would witness significant show within Okinawa musical orchestra which will present a number of musical songs.

Yemen, Japan discuss project of tuna growing

[19 July 2008]

SANA'A, July 19 (Saba) - Minister of Fisheries Wealth Mohammed Shamlan discussed on Saturday on Saturday with the chairman of Japanese Sojaz Corporation for Investments in the Middle East and Africa over possibilities of setting up a tuna growing project in Yemen at sum of $20 million.

The chairman of the Japanese corporation said that the project contains five big boxes for growing tuna in the sea and boats to fish alive tunas to bring alive them into these boxes to fattening them as well as stores and freezing centers. The project would offer more than 7,000 jobs. Shamlan expressed readiness of the ministry to present all facilitates to bring this project into success, asking the investment unit in the ministry to offer all information to the corporation about suitable places of doing this project.

Meanwhile, Shamlan held a meeting with the secretary general of the Arab union for fishing products Mahmoud Radad. They discussed project of setting up Arab Company for fishing marketing within efforts of achieving Arab food security.

Japan Grants $68,775 for Zunjubar health center

[14 July 2008]

ZUNJUBAR, July 14 (Saba) - The government of Japan provided for Maternity and Childhood Care center of Zunjubar district in Abyan governorate a financial donation worth $68,775 in the framework of its Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Program in under developing countries. The statement of Japanese Embassy announced that the grant is allocated to buy medical equipment. The statement indicated that about 20,000 citizens of the districts would benefit from this medical equipment.

Yemeni-Japanese-Jordanian session to be held Wednesday

[14 July 2008]

SANA'A, July 14 (Saba) - A discussion session between ministry of electricity and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Jordanian Electric Company is to hold next Wednesday. For this purpose, two delegations from Jordan and the JICA are to arrive in Yemen on Tuesday. During the visit, the delegations would meet the officials of electricity ministry and general electricity collaboration. Saba was informed that the session would discuss machineries of activating the bilateral cooperation protocol singed last month in Sana'a between Yemen and Jordan in field of training the staff of the Yemeni General Electricity Corporation. Under the protocol, the Jordanian Company will train the Yemeni cadres within a training program financed by the JICA.

Yemen discusses cooperation with Egypt, Japan, Germany

[14 July 2008]

SANA'A, July 14 (Saba) - Minister of Electricity and Energy Awadh al-Socatry held separate talks Monday with Egyptian ambassador to Sana'a Mohammed Awad, Japanese diplomat Masakazu Toshikage and charge d'affaires of Germany embassy. During the meetings, the minister discussed with each of the diplomats aspect of bilateral cooperation between Yemen and their countries in the electricity field.

Japan cancels $17 mln from Yemen's previous debts

[09 July 2008]

SANA'A, July 09 (Saba) - Japan ambassador to Sana'a Masakazu Toshikage announced that his government decided to cancel $17 million from Yemen's previous debts. Toshikage said, during his extended meeting with Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Abdul Karim al-Arhabi on Wednesday with Bank of Japan for International Cooperation mission, that this decision comes within the framework of Japan's interest to support and boost cooperation ties with Yemen. During the meeting, the two sides discussed issues related to technical support and experiences that Japan may provide Yemen, in addition to the Japanese available funds within the financial partnership between Japan and other donors for supporting development in Yemen. The two sides also discussed issues of improving mutual cooperation ties between Yemen and Japan, particularly new trends to support Yemen through Japanese soft loans. Moreover al-Arhabi reviewed the with Bank of Japan delegation the available investment opportunities for Japanese companies to invest in Yemen in the fields electricity, gas, cement and fisheries.

Japan gifts over YR 8 mln to Blind Society

[06 July 2008]

SANA'A, July 06 (Saba) - The Japanese government granted Sunday the Yemeni Society to Protect and Rehabilitate Blinds in Sana'a with YR 8.7 million. The grant that comes under the Japanese scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects" that aims at supporting small-scale community-based projects in the areas of basic human needs, such as primary health care, basic education and rural water supply in developing countries. The grant agreement has been singed by the chairman of the society Abdul Aziz al-Hajj and the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Masakazu Toshikage. Worth mentioning, the Japanese government financed during its current fiscal year three community-based projects in Yemen amounting to US $197,100, as well as it financed during the last year 17 projects with a total cost of US $1,337,350 million.

Yemen, Japan discuss enhancing trade exchange

[03 July 2008]

SANA'A, July 03 (Saba) - Yemen and Japan has discussed ways of strengthening trade exchange between the two countries as well as bilateral cooperation. Deputy Assistant of Foreign Minister Khaled al-Aqwa'a returned Sana'a on Thursday after an official visit to Japan lasted few days, during which

He discussed, during the visit, with Japanese officials possibility of increasing Japanese assistance to Yemen in the development areas, noting that Yemen is to carry out a wide program for economic reforms and combating poverty in the coming period.

Japanese health project at Sabaeen Hospital inaugurated

[01 July 2008]

SANA'A, July 01 (Saba) - Mayor of Sana'a Abdul Rahman al-Aqwa'a and the Japanese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affaires Osamu Uno have inaugurated the project for improving the medical services of Sabaeen Hospital in Sana'a city. The government of Japan had extended in 2007 a grant of US $81,284 to Sabaeen Hospital for purchasing medical equipments, such as an incubator, a neonatal resuscitation trolley, a diagnostic ultrasound and a blood gas analyzer. The Director of the hospital Amat al-Karim Humad acquainted the mayor and the Japanese official with the entire maternal and child health services the hospital offers to over 50,000 patients visits it annually. In the inauguration ceremony held in this occasion, al-Aqwa'a appreciated the Japanese assistance granted to Yemen in the health field. Worth mentioning that this is the second grant extended by the Japanese government to Sabaeen hospital. Japan had provided in 1999 the hospital with medical equipments amounting to US $460,000. The Japanese government funded 17 projects last year in the country with a total amount of US $1,337,350 under the Japanese scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects". The scheme aims at supporting small-scale community-based projects in the areas of basic human needs, such as primary health care, basic education and rural water supply in developing countries.

Yemen, Japan seek expanding cooperation

[30 June 2008]

SANA'A, June 30 (Saba) - Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Abdul-Karim al-Arhabi discussed on Monday with Japanese deputy foreign minister existing cooperation between the two countries and means of enhancing it. The two parts also discussed trends of future cooperation between Yemen and Japan which have been named during the minister's meeting with Japanese officials in Tokyo. Worth to mention that Japanese support to Yemen covers fields of health, technical education and vocational training and water.

Yemen, Japan discuss development cooperation

[30 June 2008]

SANA'A, June 30 (Saba) - Foreign Affairs Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi held talks on Monday with Japanese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Osamu Uno on bilateral cooperation aspects between both countries particularly in development issues. The meetings reviewed the Japanese role to support development process in Yemen as well as the cooperation aspects in power generation, water desalination and supporting coastguard. The minister expressed his appreciation of the great role Japan plays to realize stability and security in the Middle East in addition to support the international security and peace, affirming Yemen's keenness on developing partnership relations with Japan and coordinating the two countries attitudes towards various regional and international issues. For his part, the Japanese official said that his visits to Yemen come to in continuation with the talks and meetings token place between the two countries, topped by President Ali Abdullah Saleh's visit to the Japanese capital Tokyo three years ago. He also expressed the Japanese government's appreciation of the efforts exerted by Yemen for releasing of Japanese tourists.

Saleh welcomes Japanese energy, desalination investments

[30 June 2008]

SANA'A, June 30 (Saba) - President Ali Abdullah Saleh renewed Monday welcoming the Japanese investments in Yemen, especially in fields of energy and desalination. The President praised, during his meeting with Japanese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Osamu Uno, the assistance Japan offers to support Yemeni efforts in development, democracy and fighting against terrorism. He accentuated the role Japan can play to prompt the peace process in the region and also its role during the meetings of the G8 summit to be convened in the Japanese capital Tokyo. The Japanese official voiced its thanks to the President and the efforts the Yemeni coastguard forces have exerted to protect the Japanese oil tanker Takayama while subjecting at piracy acts off Somali coasts. He lauded Yemeni efforts in combating terrorism, affirming support for the country's development process and its efforts in fighting against terror and underpinning the region's stability as well as the care the government presents to the African refugees. The meeting discussed mutual ties and the joint cooperation aspects between the two countries in fields of development, energy and desalination to cover the inhabitants' needs of the capital Sana'a and Taiz governorate. Furthermore, the meeting dealt with the regional issues of common interests and last developments in Palestine, Iraq and African Horn.

Yemen, JICA discuss cooperation aspects

[28 June 2008]

SANA'A, June 28 (Saba) - Deputy Planning Minister Hisham Sharef discussed on Saturday with General Director of Volunteers in Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) the aspects of enhancing cooperation between Yemen and Japan and the role of Japanese volunteers to transfer Japanese expertise to organizations working in Yemen. During the meeting, Sharef expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by the Japanese partners in many areas, affirming to provide all facilities for Japanese's volunteer during their tasks and keenness to develop this cooperation to serve the interests of the two friendly countries. For his part, JICA official praised the care of Yemeni government for Japanese volunteers working in Yemen. It is worth to mention that the number of Japanese volunteers working in Yemen since re-opening JICA has reached 24 volunteers.

Deputy foreign minister heads for Tokyo

[21 June 2008]

SANA'A, June 21 (Saba) - Deputy Assistance of Foreign Minister Khaled al-Aqwa headed on Saturday for Tokyo on an official visit to last for one week to hold meetings with officials of the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Japanese Development Agency. In a statement to Saba, al-Aqwa said that the visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, aspects of cooperation between them in various fields and also exchange views about regional issues of common interest. He pointed out that during the visit he will get acquainted with the economic and development experience of Japan in a number institutions.

Japan deputy Foreign minister due in Yemen

[19 June 2008]

SANA'A, June 19 (Saba) - Deputy Japanese Foreign minister Osamu Uno is set to arrive in Yemen on June 30 for an official visit, the mouthpiece of Yemen's defense ministry September 26 said on Thursday. During the two-day visit Uno will hold talks with Yemeni officials at the Foreign ministry that will focus on means to boost bilateral cooperation on all fronts. The talks are expected to bring up regional and international issues of mutual concern topped by the situations in Iraq, Somalia and Sudan as well as terrorism-fighting issues.

Japan is one of Asian countries supporting the path of development in Yemen. Recently a symposium for Japanese investors was held in Sana'a that was aimed at attracting Japanese capitals for establishing investment projects in the country. Yemen's deputy premier for economic affairs, minister of Planning and International Cooperatrion Abdul Karim al-Arhabi paid a visit to Japan's capital Tokyo during which he met senior Japanese officials to discuss enhancing economic relations between the two countries.

Japan to offer $4 mln as assistance to Yemen

[16 June 2008]

SANA'A, June 16 (Saba) - Yemen and Japan signed a memorandum of understanding to offer assistance to Yemen at sum of $4 million. According to the memo, the sum would be use to enhance efforts of the government to improve financial resource and reducing poverty. The memo was signed by deputy premier for economic affairs and minister of planning and international cooperation Abdul-Karim al-Arhabi and the Japanese ambassador to Sana'a Masakazu Toshikage. Al-Arhabi affirmed valued concern of the Japanese government to support development process in Yemen, affirming concern of Yemen to enhance its ties with Japan.

Yemen spending $538.62 mln on resolving electricity problem

[11 June 2008]

SANA'A, June 11 (Saba) - Yemen is implementing many electricity-related projects including the establishment and rehabilitation of 20 electricity generating stations at a cost of $538.62 million. These projects also include the connection of distribution networks as well as establishing capacitors for energy discharge. A report by the ministry of Planning and International Cooperation has said that 428 projects in the electricity domain are under construction across the republic with the aim of boosting energy resources and to radically resolve the problems of electricity cut off. According to the report, some projects are being implemented with funding from the donors according to their pledges at the London Donor Conference held in 2006 in London. However, the second phase projects will include the construction of the Marib gas station at a cost of YR 9.480 billion and with a capacity of 400 megawatt, the national project for rural electricity and renewable energy resources development at a cost of YR 25 billion and the national electricity control center at a cost of YR 5 billion. The donors will provide YR 80.875 billion out of the total funds for implementing the projects estimated at YR 107.714 billion.

Yemen, Japan keen on developing relations

[26 May 2008]

SANA'A, May 26 (Saba) - President Ali Abdullah Saleh received on Monday a letter from Japan's prime minister Yasuo Fukuda regarding developing the existing bilateral relations. In the letter, Fukuda thanked the Yemeni government for doing its utmost to release the two Japanese tourists held in the eastern Yemeni province of Marib and providing support for the Japanese oil tanker which was attacked by Somali pirates off the Yemeni eastern coasts. The letter was delivered by the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Masakazu Toshikage. Fukuda also affirmed that Japan will continue to support the development path in Yemen particularly in the fields of technical education and vocational training and primary education, medicince, rural water supplies and sanitation as well as providing non-project aids. He said Japan is keen on developing relations with Yemen since Yemen has a location that not only serves the region but also the whole world including Japan. At the meeting president Saleh extended his best wishes for the Japanese premier and all the Japanese people.

Yemen, Japan discuss educational cooperation

[22 May 2008]

SANA'A, May 22 (Saba) - Ministry of Education and Japanese donors co-chaired by deputy minister of education Mohammed Hadi Tawaf and Director of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) office in Sana'a over a educational program carried by Bridge Project in Taiz governorate. Tawaf pointed out to the importance of enhancing mutual cooperation between Yemen and Japan in education, affirming continuing support of the ministry for the Japanese agency to implement its educational programs in Yemen. Director of education office in Taiz governorate Mahdi Abdul-Salam highlighted achievements of Bridge project in the governorate which targeted 59 schools in six districts. He said that the project has plan to extend its activities to reach other districts in coming four years. The JICA official affirmed support of his country for the education in Yemen, saying that the agreement of the Japanese financial assistance to Yemen will be signed next Monday to build schools in Sana'a city and governorate.

Japan grants Yemen US $7 mln to build schools in Sana'a

[18 May 2008]

SANA'A, May 18 (Saba) - Yemen and Japan signed here on Sunday the agreement of the 2nd stage of the 2nd project for building basic-education schools in Yemen. Under the agreement signed by minister of planning and international cooperation Abdul Karim al-Arhabi and the Japanese ambassador to Sana'a Masakazu Toshikage, Japan will gift Yemen about US $7.2 million to build basic-education schools in Sana'a and the secretariat capital. The agreement aims at supporting Yemen to achieve the development millennium goals in the field of basic education.

It is worth mentioning here that the Japanese government supported Yemen during 2002-2003 to establish 30 schools in governorates of Taiz and Ibb in addition to supporting the project of increasing girls enrollment to school being currently carried out in Taiz.

Yemen, Japan discuss different levels of cooperation

[13 May 2008]

SANA'A, May 13 (Saba) - Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi discussed Tuesday with Japanese ambassador to Yemen Masakazu Toshikage the cooperation relations between the two countries and means of developing them. During the meeting, the Japanese ambassador expressed the Japanese Foreign Ministry's appreciation for Yemen's efforts to release the two Japanese women tourists who were kidnapped last Wednesday in Marib province.

Japan thanks Yemen for Japanese tourists release

[12 May 2008]

SANA'A, May 12 (Saba) - Tourism Minister Nabil Hassan al-Faqih has met the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Masakazu Toshikage. During the meeting, Toshikage expressed his country's appreciation for the Yemeni leadership, government and people's efforts to release the two Japanese women tourists Keiko Mishima, 41, and Shizuko Endo, 44. The two Japanese tourists were released after hours kidnapping in Marib province by gunmen last Wednesday.

Japan allocates $10 mln for water projects in Yemen

[07 May 2008]

SANA'A, May 07 (Saba) - The Japanese government has allocated $10 million to fund water projects in rural regions of Yemen. Director of the International Cooperation with Europe and two Americans at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation Amr Abdul-Aziz stated to Saba that the decision of the Japanese government to fund these project came within an agreement signed between the ministry and the Japanese side recently. He said that the Japanese side affirmed its concern to support the development process in Yemen.

Japan to support health, education, water projects in al-Mahweet

[05 May 2008]

AL-MAHWEET, May 05 (Saba) - General Secretary of Local Council Ali al-Zaikam discussed on Monday with the Japanese coordinator of human security projects programs by Japanese's support for a number of health, education and water projects and developing infrastructure in the province. Al-Zaikam affirmed readiness of local authorities to provide all facilities and cooperate with important projects to strengthen distinctive relation between Yemen and Japan. For his part, Japanese official praised the effort to local authority leaders to facility activities of human security projects to realize local development process.

Japan grants Yemen US $7 mln to establish schools

[30 April 2008]

SANA'A, April 30 (Saba) - Japanese government has appropriated US $7 million to establish some typical schools in Sana'a. During his meeting with minister of planning and international cooperation Abdul Karim al-Arhabi, the Japanese ambassador to Sana'a Masakazu Toshikage announced the gift, saying that it would be extended in May 17. Toshikage accentuated the Japanese government's keenness on continuing its support for Yemeni development process, hailing the achievements Yemen has realized in this regard. During the meeting, the two officials reviewed the results of al-Arhabi's visit to Japan last week. Al-Arhabi called on the Japanese companies to take part in the Marib Gas-based power station - second stage and Ma'abr power station, confirming the keenness of Yemeni government on enhancing the cooperation relations with Japan.