News in 2010

JICA support for Al-Wihda Hospital discussed

[24/December/2010]

ADEN (Saba) - Director General of Al-Wihda Hospital in Aden Mohammed Ba-Azab discussed on Friday with a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aspects of support to be provided to the hospital. The support will take the form of a solar power project at $5 million to be provided to the hospital. During the meeting, they reviewed the special preparations for the project location, in addition to spare parts required for the project for seven years. They also talked about cooperation to improve work of the hospital through a project for medical wastes disposal on scientific bases.

Saleh congratulates Japan Emperor on birthday

[22/December/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - President Ali Abdullah Saleh sent on Wednesday a cable of congratulations to the Emperor of Japan Akihito on his birthday. Japan celebrates the day on December 23.

$5 mln supporting solar electric power generation approved, says Japanese diplomat

[21/December/2010]

ADEN (Saba) - Deputy advisor of the Japanese ambassador to Yemen has said that the Japanese government would implement a solar electric power generation project worth $5 million in 2011. He added that the Yemeni cadre will be trained to operate the project and spare parts for the project will be provided for seven years. This came during a meeting between Undersecretary of Aden province for Investment Sector and Resource Development Ahmed al-Dhala'e and deputy advisor of the Japanese ambassador to Yemen. "Aden witnesses a constructional development in which it needs more developmental projects in different investment sectors for employing the qualified local employment, especially in the field of health care and environmental sanitation," al-Dhala'e said. Al-Dhala'e hailed the bilateral relations between the two countries, calling the Japanese investors to open a new investment project in Aden city, in particular, and in Yemen, in general, as well as creating a real partnership between the Yemeni and Japanese businessmen. For his part, the Japanese diplomat hailed the bilateral relations between the two countries, noting to that his visit came to evaluat support in the health sector at Al-Wahdha Educational Hospital.

Industry Minister returns home

[16/December/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Industry and Trade Minister Yahya al-Mutawakil returned on Thursday home after taking part in the 2nd Japan-Arab Economic Forum held recently in Tunisia. Speaking to Saba, al-Mutawakil said that the forum focused on several issues relating to promoting the Japan-Arab economic cooperation. He added that Yemen has presented a paper on investment and trade in Yemen.

JICA's water projects in Yemen reviewed

[12/December/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Sana'a Local Council Secretary General Abdul-Ghani Jamil met on Sunday with the Deputy Resident Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Sana'a. During the meeting, they reviewed the agency's activities implemented in the governorate, particularly in water areas. Jamil praised the agency's efforts in the country, assuring that the facilities would be presented to JICA to ease its activities in Yemen. Worth to mention is that the agency has implemented about 19 projects in Yemen till 2010 in the water field in governorates of Dhamar, Ibb, Taiz and Mahweet at a cost of $ 17 million.

Inauguration of two Japanese grass-root projects in Sana'a

[11/December/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Inauguration and handing over ceremony for two projects of "Improving Water Supply System" and "Providing Medical Equipment to Mohammed Al-Dorah Hospital" took place on Saturday in Jihanah District, Sana'a province. The ceremony was attended by Mr. Mitsunori Namba, Japan's ambassador to Yemen, together with Mr. Abdul-Malek Al-Gharbi - Deputy Governor of Sana'a Governorate, a number of Yemeni officials from JIhanah District Local Council and a director and medical staffs of Mohammed Al-Dorah Hospital. The first USD 78,346 grant for the water project will be used for improving water supply system. There are approximately 5,800 beneficiaries in the areas and this project will upgrade the water availability for daily use for local inhabitants and also provide more water for agriculture which is the staple industry in this area. The other grant, amount of USD 68,200, will be used to purchase medical equipments for improving services of ICU units, the operation room, and other facilities in Mohammed Al-Dorah Hospital. There are approximately 250,000 beneficiaries and the project will enable the inhabitants to have an access to better healthcare environment. During the both two ceremonies, the Japanese ambassador and the deputy governor of Sana'a discussed a series of grant aids from the Japanese Government in the past, and means of further developing collaboration between the Embassy of Japan and the Sana'a Governorate. The Japanese Government's scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects" has been assisting in the fields of water supply, environment, health care, education including disables and girls, over the last 10 years in Yemen. During the last Japanese fiscal year (April 1, 2009 - March 31, 2010) the Government of Japan funded 18 projects in Yemen amounting to about USD 1.5 million under the above mentioned Japanese scheme.

Yemen to participate in 2nd Japan-Arab Economic Forum

[09/December/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Trade and Industry Yahya al-Mutwakil headed on Thursday to Tunisia for participating in the 2nd meeting of the Japan-Arab Economic Forum for trade promotion and cooperation which will be held in Tunisia capital, Tunis, on December 10 for two days. In a statement to Saba, al-Mutwakil made it clear that that the meeting comes as result of the first meeting which was held in Tokyo aiming at starting dialog between the Arab states through the Arab League, as one of the economic bloc, and Japan at all levels including various political and economic dialogs. He pointed out that the meeting, which will be held with participation of private sector and businessmen, would address the topic of partnership between the Arab side and Japan with their government and private sector in the field of various infrastructure. It is worth to mention that the Japan-Arab Economic Forum would increase cooperation in the broad fields of energy, environment, sustainable development, scientific research and technology and human resources development.

JICA's support for rural water in Dhamar discussed

[06/December/2010]

DHAMAR (Saba) - Dhamar Governor Yahya al-Amri met on Monday with representatives of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) led by Resident Representative of JICA in Yemen Takeshi Komori. They discussed areas of JICA's support for the rural water projects in the province. In the meeting, the JICA's official reviewed the Agency's efforts to support the development efforts in Yemen through the implementation of a group of service and developmental projects, including a number of rural water projects in the provinces of Dhamar, Taiz, Ibb, Sana'a and Mahweet. Dhamar has got five projects within the districts of Maifah-Ans, Ans, and Jabal al-Sharq at a cost of about YR 450 million, Komori indicated. The Governor emphasized the readiness of the province leadership to support the Japanese friends' efforts in the implementation of these projects to provide drinking water to rural communities in the targeted areas and the expansion of the Agency's activities to include the rest of the districts that need such projects. He praised the JICA's efforts to enhance the local development efforts in the province through carrying out a number of projects weather in the educational aspect or in the rural water field.

Yemen to participate in Japan-Arab Economic Forum

[02/December/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen is to take part in the 2nd Japan-Arab Economic Forum to be held on December 10 - 12 in Tunisia, the 26sep.net reported on Thursday. Industry and Trade Minister Yahya al-Mutawakil, head of the Yemeni delegation, said the Forum aims at boosting the Arab-Regional cooperation and developing the common investments as well as the inter-Arab trade and human resources development. Al-Mutawakil added that Yemen will represent a paper on economic development and Yemeni efforts in improving the business environment and the facilities and opportunities provided by the government for attracting the Japanese companies to invest in Yemen.

Japanese future supportive trends for Yemen discussed

[29/November/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan discussed in here on Monday aspects of the Japanese future supportive trends in sectors of water, education and health. During their meeting, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Abdul-Karim al-Arhabi and Director General of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shigeo Matsutomi talked about ways of enhancing Yemen efforts aiming at achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 in such sectors. The two sides also reviewed issues related to the Yemeni-Japanese mutual cooperation as well as means of promoting them to serve the joint interests. The arrangements for holding the upcoming ministerial meeting for Yemen Friends' Group in Saudi Arabia in January, 2011 were also reviewed in the meeting. Al-Arhabi accented the appreciation of Yemeni government for the Japanese initiative to raise the development assistance volume for Yemen in the past two years. In return, the Japanese official affirmed his country's keenness to continue offering the development support, noting to the cooperation level between Yemen and Japan.

Japan to partake in Yemen's friends group meeting in Riyadh

[29/November/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan affirmed on Sunday its keenness on taking part in Yemen's friends group meeting to be held early in 2011 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. During his meeting with the Prime Minister Ali Mujawar, Director General of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shigeo Matsutomi affirmed the Japanese commitment to support the development in Yemen. Matsutomi accented that Japan will enhance its role in Yemen's development, particularly in upgrading the capacities of the Yemeni coastguards. Mujawar valued highly the Japanese supportive attitudes towards Yemen's security, stability and development. The meeting dealt with the arrangements of coming meeting of Riyadh meeting and the Japanese role to assist in realizing the Development Millennium Goals (DMGs).

Al-Alimi receives Japanese official

[29/November/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Deputy Prime Minister for Security and Defense Affairs Rashad al-Alimi received on Monday Director of Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau in Japanese Foreign Ministry. They talked about a number of topics related to cooperation in economic development areas between the two countries and the Japanese's support to Yemen's efforts to enhance coastguards' capacities and to combat terrorism. During the meeting, al-Alimi praised the Japanese government support to the development in Yemen and its contributions to strengthen the capacity of counterterrorism units and the Yemeni coastguards.

Al-Qirbi meets Japanese official

[29/November/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi met in here on Monday with Director of Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau in Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The two sides discussed the cooperation relations between the two friendly countries as well as ways of enhancing them.

Inauguration of Japanese grass-root project in Sana'a

[28/November/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Inauguration and handing over ceremony for the Japan-financed project of Constructing Water Reservoirs in 6 districts of Sana'a province took place on Sunday. The ceremony was attended by Mitsunori Namba, Japanese ambassador to Yemen, Abdulla al-Seyaghi, deputy governor of Sana'a and Basheer al-Asbahi, director of office of Agriculture and Irrigation in the province. The Japanese government has granted the amount of USD 85,655 for the project to construct water reservoirs and water tanks for improving the access of local people to safe and clean water. There are approximately 5,800 beneficiaries in the areas. The Japanese Government's scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects" has been assisting in the fields of water supply, environment, health care, education including disables and girls, over the last 10 years in Yemen. During the last Japanese fiscal year (April 1, 2009 - March 31, 2010) the Government of Japan funded 18 projects in Yemen amounting to about US$ 1.5 million under the above mentioned Japanese scheme.

Sana'a governor meets JICA representative in Yemen

[28/November/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - The governor of Sana'a province Noman Ahmed Doid met on Sunday with Komori, the resident representative of the Japanese Agency for International Cooperation (JICA) Yemen Office. During the meeting, Doid and Komori reviewed JICA's activities in the province, especially with regard to water projects implemented in a number of the districts. The Yemeni official praised JICA's significant activities in the country, stressing the province's keenness to provide all the facilities to the agency to implement its future projects in a number of Sana'a districts. JICA is currently implementing 19 projects in the area of water in the provinces Sana'a, Taiz, Ibb, Dhamar and Mahweet at an estimated cost of up to US$ 17 million.

Japan supports two projects in Sana'a and Bayda

[28/November/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan has decided to extend 2 grants amounting to US$ 189,960 for the project for improving environmental public health in Old Sana'a and the project for improving school bus operation of Deaf-Mute Care in Rada'a District, Bayda province. The two grants have come under Japan's grant assistance scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects", which aims at supporting small-scale community-based projects in the fields related to basic human needs, such as primary health care, basic education and water in developing countries. Mitsunori Namba, Ambassador of Japan to Yemen, and Mohammed Saleh Jarallah, Manager of Old Sana'a Capital Cleaning Project in Sana'a and Ali Ali Mohammed Al-Qetreefi, the Chair of Care and Rehabilitation Association of Deaf and Mute in Baydha, signed the contracts at the Embassy of Japan in Sana'a. The grant to Sana'a will be used to purchase four tipper trucks by the Old Sana'a Capital Cleaning Project. The grant aims at improving the garbage collecting service in Old Sana'a, as well as ameliorating the environment and the public health of the local inhabitants more than 100,000. The Old Sana'a is designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the project is expected to contribute to refining the cultural value of the site and comforting foreign visitors. The other grant aims to improve the transportation and training facilities of Al-Amal Deaf-Mute School with 300 handicapped pupils, by providing two buses and ten sewing machines. The grant will enable the pupils to commute to the school safely and acquire useful vocational skills that can help them integrate into the society. In the last Japanese fiscal year, Japan funded 18 projects in Yemen under the Grass-Roots scheme with a total amount of USD 1.5 million.

Yemen, Japan discuss cooperation in various areas

[10/November/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan discussed in here on Wednesday a number of issues related to the bilateral cooperation in education, health, water, electricity and energy areas. Deputy Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Hisham Sharaf discussed with the Japanese Deputy Ambassador to Yemen the possibility to support Yemen in enhancing the coastguard capacities. During the meeting, Sharaf praised the Japanese initiative to raise its annual assistance to Yemen to $US50 million, besides the additional Japanese assistance to prop up coastguard authority in Yemen. For his part, the Japanese diplomat renewed the keenness of the Japanese government to continue to provide its annual support to cope with Yemen's priority needs.

Japan grants Yemen $199,000 for health, water projects

[10/November/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan extended on Wednesday two grants amounting to US$ 199,586 for two projects in health and water areas in Yemen. The grant will be utilized to a project for Constructing Aras Health Unit in Yareem District, Ibb governorate and a project for Improving Water Supply System in al-Mouza' district, Taiz governorate, according to a press release issued by the Japanese embassy. The grant of Aras Health Unit will benefit 8,000 people in Yareem district by funding the construction of a health unit and providing medical equipments. The other grant aims to improve the access to water by constructing a water supply system in al-Mouza' district, where around 800 people will avail from the project. The projects' contracts were signed by Japanese ambassador to Yemen Mitsunori Namba and Head of Fatimah Al-Zahra Organization in Arasa area, Ibb governorate Shadia al-Arasi and Principal of Al-Mouza' Agricultural Cooperative Association in Taiz governorate Mohammed al-Salahi. The two grants has come under Japan's grant assistance scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects", which aims at supporting small-scale community-based projects in basic human needs fields, such as primary health care, basic education and water in developing countries. In the last Japanese fiscal year, Japan funded 18 projects in Yemen under the Grass-Roots scheme with a total amount of USD 1.5 million.

Foreign Minister returns home

[09/November/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi returned Sana'a on Tuesday after a few-day visit to Japan during which he held talks with Japanese officials and businessmen. In a statement to Saba, al-Qirbi said that the talks included ways of boosting bilateral relations between the two friendly countries through Japan to further development support to Yemen, particularly the Yemeni Coastguards. "The Japanese government agreed to participate in the next meeting of the Friends of Yemen to be held in the Saudi capital Riyadh, which will support development of Yemen", he added. The Yemeni Minister also pointed to Japanese businessmen have expressed willingness to send delegations to Yemen to consider investment areas, especially in the Aden Free Zone.

Yemen and Japan hold trade cooperation talks

[02/November/2010]

TOKYO (Saba) - Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi has discussed with President of Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East Mr Iwao Okamoto the trade cooperation aspects between Yemen and Japan. Al-Qirbi also reviewed with Senior Vice President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Mr. Kenzo Oshima ways to expand cooperation between the two countries and to support Yemen in the fields of basic education, health and rural water. Appreciating all Japanese efforts in Yemen, al Qirbi requested JICA to reconsider resuming soft loans to enable Yemen to finance strategic projects, particularly in areas such as renewable energy and water desalination. Moreover, he discussed with Yasuo Hayashi, Chairman, Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), ways of promoting direct Japanese investments in Yemen in the fields of gas, energy and minerals as well as fisheries.

President letter to Japanese premier handed over

[02/November/2010]

TOKYO (Saba) - Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi has met with his Japanese counterpart Seiji Maehara. During the meeting, al-Qirbi handed over Maehara a letter from President Ali Abdullah Saleh to Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, relating to mutual relations between Yemen and Japan. The Yemeni official stressed that Japan is a key partner in the development process in Yemen, pointing out that bilateral relations have developed significantly since President Saleh's visit to Japan in 2005. For his part, the Japanese minister expressed his country's desire to expand areas of cooperation and support to Yemen, especially in combating terrorism, pointing to his country will increase support provided to Yemen in the next year and reconsider presenting soft loans. Meanwhile, al-Qirbi reviewed with the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister of Japan aspects of joint cooperation between Yemen and Japan and ways of enhancing them. Al-Qirbi praised Japan's role in providing support to the Yemeni government, especially in the areas of education, health, infrastructure projects, the Coastguards and the fight against terrorism and piracy. He also hailed Japan's effective role in the Friends of Yemen, expressing Yemen's aspiration to strengthen cooperation so as to achieve the desired goals and Yemen can move forward to apply national reforms and meet the current challenges. For his part, the Japanese minister confirmed the depth of Japanese-Yemeni relations, stressing his country's support for Yemen's efforts to face challenges, especially development and economic sides as well as support the Yemeni Coastguards.

FM flies to Japan on official visit

[30/October/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi flied on Saturday to the Japanese capital, Tokyo, on an official visit. Al-Qirbi will hold talks with Japanese counterpart and official bodies the assistance presented to Yemen in areas of development and alleviating poverty as well as Japan's efforts under the Yemen's friends group. He will discuss with the Japanese officials the cooperation in fields of piracy and maritime security in addition to means to strengthen the bilateral cooperation in various areas.

Yemen's participation in Japan-Arab Economic Forum discussed

[30/October/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - A meeting chaired by Minister of Industry and Trade Yahya al-Mutawakil was held on Saturday to discuss preparations for Yemen's participation in the 2nd session of the Japan-Arab Economic Forum to be held in Tunisia on December 12. The meeting was attended by representatives of the concerned authorities and private sector, who reviewed proposals and concepts to be submitted by the concerned ministries and agencies and the private sector to actively participate in this important forum. The participants stressed the importance of setting clear concepts including specific projects, especially in the areas of energy, infrastructure and private sector projects to present them to the Forum. In the meeting, al-Mutawakil noted to the need to partake effectively in the Forum in order to attract funding and joint investments with Japanese friends. He urged the private sector to take advantage of bilateral meetings to be held with their Japanese counterparts to enhance and develop the trade and economic exchange and joint investments between the two sides.

PM returns home

[30/October/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Prime Minister Ali Mujawar returned to Sana'a on Saturday after partaking at the head of Yemen delegation - a representative of the Group of 77 and China - in the tenth meeting of the high-level conference of the member States in the Convention on Biological Diversity held during October 27-28 in the Japanese city of Nagoya. On the sidelines of his participation in the conference, Mujawar met with his Japanese counterpart Naoto Kan and delivered a letter to him from President Ali Abdullah Saleh. The letter dealt with the distinct friendship relations between the friendly countries and means of boosting it. Mujawar also met with Head of the General Assembly of UN, President of the World Bank, and a number of international officials, and discussed with him the role played by Yemen as a Head of the Group of 77 and China to serve the member States and express their aspirations as well as its work to achieve consensus on environmental issues.

Yemeni official to visit Japan

[29/October/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi will head on Saturday for the Japanese capital Tokyo on a few-day official visit. Speaking to the state-run 26sep.net, al-Qirbi said that he would convey a letter from President Ali Abdullah Saleh to Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan on bilateral relations and joint cooperation between the two friendly countries and Japan's role in supporting the development process in Yemen as well as Japan's contributions also in the framework of the Yemen Friends. The Yemeni official added that he will discuss also with his Japanese counterpart, Seiji Maehara, ways to strengthen the Japanese support to the Yemen Coastguards, as well as coordination between the two countries on regional issues, including piracy in the Horn of Africa, the fight against terrorism and the peace process in the Middle East.

Yemen signs Japan agreement on WTO accession

[29/October/2010]

GENEVA (Saba) - Yemen signed on Friday a bilateral agreement with Japan for its accession into the World Trade Organization. The agreement was signed by the permanent representatives of both countries to the United Nations in Geneva. Japanese representative Shinichi Kitajima reiterated his country's support for Yemen to meet all requirements in all areas for the accession. The agreement was signed on the margins of the 8th meeting of the working group on Yemen's entry into the WTO after a number of rounds of talks between the two countries. With the signing, a limited number of WTO members remains to sign bilateral trade agreements with Yemen. Yemen is set to obtain full WTO membership by the end of the year.

Japanese PM receives letter from President Saleh

[27/October/2010]

NAGOYA (Saba) - Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan received on Wednesday a letter from President Ali Abdullah Saleh dealt with aspects of strengthening the bilateral relations in various political, economic and development fields. The letter was delivered by Premier Ali Mujawar during a meeting brought him together with Japanese Prime Minister held on the sidelines of 10th high-level ministerial meeting of the Conference of the Parties in Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 10). The Japanese PM hailed the development in the Yemeni-Japanese relations, pointing to the joint adherence to advance the bilateral relations incessantly. The meeting focused on the role Japan plays in supporting the development areas in Yemen, particularly in sectors of education, health and water. Mujawar expressed appreciations of the support provided by Japan in such areas and others.

Yemen, Japan discuss future cooperation in renewable energy

[27/October/2010]

NAGOYA (Saba) - Yemen and Japan discussed in Ngoya city, Japan, future bilateral cooperation in area of using renewable energy. The discussions were held by Minister of Water and Environment Abdul-Rahman al-Eryani and Japanese Environment Minister Ryu Matsumoto, who also reviewed mutual cooperation in water and Environment. Al-Eryani and Matsumoto have focused on the exerted efforts in maintaining the biological diversity and the Japanese support to Yemen in this regard. The two ministers reviewed the issues of the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties in Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 10) being held currently in Ngoya city. Worth mentioning, Yemen is presided over the Group of 77 and China during the COP 10 meeting.

PM in Japan for COP 10 meeting in Japan

[26/October/2010]

NAGOYA (Saba) - Prime Minister Ali Mujawar arrived on Tuesday in Ngoya city, Japan, to take part in the 10th high-level ministerial meeting of the Conference of the Parties in Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 10). The meeting will take place from 27 to 29 October 2010. On behalf of President Ali Abdullah Saleh, Prime Minister will deliver a speech of the Group of 77 and China, which is being presided over currently by Yemen. The speech will focused on supportive attitude of Yemen and the group towards the COP 10 and its strategic plan and three objectives. The conference addresses various issues pertaining to the biological diversity in the world and the achievements to realize of the biological diversity goal for 2010, including the national reports and the Bulletin of Global Biodiversity Outlook. The discussions will also dealt with the organized strategic plan, the goal of biological diversity and its indicators and the convention's operations as well as the action plan for 2011 - 2022.

Yemeni culture in lecture at Gunma University of Japan

[13/October/2010]

TOKYO (Saba) - Yemeni ambassador to Tokyo Marwan Noaman delivered a lecture at Gunma University in Japan on the Yemeni cultural history. The lecture talked about the Yemeni history and its cultures as well as its strategic importance for the international community, in addition to the challenges that face Yemen topped by poverty, terrorism and piracy. Noaman mentioned, in his lecture, the role of Japan and the international community in assisting Yemen to get over security and development challenges, making reference to the role played by Yemen to fight sea piracy. The lecture also made reference to the international efforts in fighting terrorism and investment opportunities in Yemen. During the lecture, which was attended by a gathering of students and citizens of Takasaki, a graphic presentation of the heritage sites in Yemen, including the Old Sana'a, Shibam, Hadramawt and Socotra was played.

JICA to expand educational project implementation

[05/October/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Education Abdul-Salam al-Jawfi met on Tuesday with experts head of Expanding Local Choices Project in the Project of Encouraging Girls' Education of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). During the meeting, they discussed a number of issues related to the project implementation. The two sides reviewed the project steps during its 2nd phase of implementation represented by finalization of the unified guidebook for school comprehensive development and training the executive team of the Ministry of Education as well as training Dhamar governorate's team as a test. They also shed light on reliable means for the sustainability and continuity of the project after the JICA support is ended through the government gradual increase of its activities. The minister affirmed the importance of applying this guidebook in cooperation with development partners in all governorates in order to contribute to realizing education quality.

Japanese support for deaf, dumb society in Rada'a discussed

[05/October/2010]

BAIDHA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan discussed here on Tuesday sides of the Japanese support provided for the Society for Care and Rehabilitation of the Deaf and Dumb in Rada'a city and means of developing them. Undersecretary of Baidha'a governorate Ali al-Mansouri and Project Coordinator at the Japanese Embassy in Sana'a talked about mechanism of implementing the Japanese grants within the continuous support of the embassy in various areas aimed to develop community services and financing the project of improving the activities of the society. They also reviewed ways to develop the society's activities as well as enabling it to reach deaf and dump people in remote areas in Rada'a districts. The $84 thousand grant included training equipment and 10 sewing machines. The undersecretary hailed the Japanese support in the educational and health fields in Rada'a city, affirming the importance of enhancing support areas. He also voiced the governorate leadership's readiness to remove the overall difficulties and provide facilities for the Japanese side.

Japanese Sumitomo Corporation eyes oil investment in Yemen

[04/October/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Oil and Minerals Ameer al-Aidarous met on Monday with a delegation from the Japan-based Sumitomo Corporation specialized in oil, gas and minerals investments. The talks reviewed the possible investment opportunities in front of the corporation and the new policies adopted by the Ministry of Oil and Minerals in negotiating interested companies to invest in this sector. The minister affirmed readiness of the ministry to provide all facilities for the corporation so that it carries out its works successfully. The corporation delegation, for their part, voiced willingness to invest in Yemen, commending the new policy of the ministry.

Yemen ambassador meets with Japanese MP

[30/September/2010]

TOKYO (Saba) - Yemen ambassador to Japan Marwan Numan met on Thursday with the Japanese member of Parliament Moto Hiro within the framework of meetings prior to visit of Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi to Japan end of October, 2010. During the meeting, they reviewed relations between parliaments of the two countries and means to improve and reinforce them, in addition to their roles in boosting the overall relations between Yemen and Japan. It is expected that a Yemeni-Japanese parliamentary association to be announced under the absolute majority of the Japanese ruling Democratic Party.

Yemen keen on biodiversity 10th conference success

[24/September/2010]

NEW YORK (Saba) - The Republic of Yemen, currently presiding over the Group of 77 and China, has affirmed that it will work with all parties in order to bring success to the 10th conference of the member countries in the Biodiversity Convention which is set to be held in Japan during October 18-29, 2010. During the meeting of Yemen permanent representative to the UN Abdullah al-Saidi with the Japanese Minister of Environment, al-Saidi pointed out to the importance of taking some active procedures to stop the depletion of biodiversity. The Japanese minister expressed, during the meeting, appreciation for the role done by Yemen under its presidency of the Group of 77 and China. He affirmed that his country attaches a greater importance on the conference to come out with decisions targeting the biodiversity conservation. It is worth to mention that a number of important issues will be discussed in the conference topped by reaching a protocol over sharing and exchanging benefits of the genetic inheritance, in addition to approving a new strategy for the biodiversity for the years 2011-2020 as well as the required financial strategy to carry out this new strategy. Yemen will be responsible for negotiation and coordination process over these issues with all the negotiating parties.

Yemen, Japan sign minutes of discussions on clean energy project

[21/September/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and Japanese International Corporation for Systems signed here on Tuesday a minutes of discussions on the clean energy project at estimated cost of USD 6.5 million. In this regard, the Deputy Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Hisham Sharaf affirmed the government's keenness to benefit from the use of alternative energy technology as an option to address the negative impacts of climate changes. Sharaf pointed out that the government plans to spread the experience of the use of clean energy in hospitals, schools and institutions that require the use of energy, as a later stage for the phase of the project, which would be limited in using a clean energy unit in Al-Wahdah Hospital in Aden. He noted that the tender of the project, which is the first of its kind in Yemen, would be announced in next October. Sharaf commended the Japanese government's contributions to supporting the Yemen government's efforts to address the negative environmental consequences resulting from the climate changes by allowing the use of clean energy technology.

Japan supports Health, Water Projects in Yemen

[19/September/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan extended on Sunday 2 grants amounting to $204,293 for health and water projects in Ibb and Taiz governorates. According to a press release issued by the Jumpiness embassy, Japanese Ambassador to Yemen Mitsunori Namba, Director of District Health Office in Fara'a al-Udayn in Ibb governorate Abdul-Moghni Ghalib and Chair of Solidarity Association for Social Development Abdu Abdul-Majed signed the contracts for the projects at the Embassy of Japan in Sana'a. The first grant to Fara'a Al-Udayn, Ibb governorate, will benefit 150,000 people in the district by providing an ambulance to Al-Wazeerah Hospital and medical equipments to Al-Saleh Hospital, Fara'a Al-Udayn District. The beneficiaries of the other grant are about 2,200 people in 15 villages in al-Barasha area of Taiz and the project consists of constructing a water tank, a protection room for a water pump and water pipelines. These grants aim at improving the health medical and emergency services in the areas, and providing clean water, mitigating sufferings of women and children in collecting water daily from remote areas. The projects are carried out under the Japanese scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects", which aims at supporting small-scale community-based projects to address basic human needs, such as primary health care, basic education and drinking water supply in the developing countries. In the last Japanese fiscal year, Japan has funded 18 projects in Yemen under the Grass-Roots scheme with a total amount of USD 1.5 million.

Yemen discusses bilateral cooperation with Japan

[07/September/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Deputy Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Hisham Sharaf met here on Tuesday with deputy ambassador of Japan to Yemen. In the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries and means of boosting them in various areas. Sharaf appreciated raising the ceiling of Japanese support provided to Yemen, which amounted to about USD 45 million annually, in the most important aspects of humanitarian and basic needs as well as the supply of the Japanese grant that is non-dedicated for projects.

Japan supports water project in Jawf

[06/September/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan has decided to extend a grant amounting to US$ 100,396 to improve Water Supply System at Wadi Al-Shagan in Jawf province, Yemen. In a press release, the Japanese Embassy in Sana'a said that the grant was under the scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects" which aims at supporting small-scale community-based projects in basic human needs fields, such as primary health care, basic education and water in the developing countries. The contract was signed at the Embassy on Monday by Mr. Mitsunori Namba, Ambassador of Japan to Yemen and Mr. Abdu Al-Hameed Amer, Chairman of Peace and Development Society. "The project will benefit 900 people in 11 villages in Wadi Al- Shagan Area and 150 IDPs (Internally Displaced Person) from Saada province by providing them with water supply facilities including a water purifier", the embassy said. "The villagers, who live in dry area which lacks of clean water, will have an access to safe water through this project". In the last Japanese fiscal year, Japan has funded 18 projects in Yemen under the Grass-Roots scheme with a total amount of US$ 1.5 million.

Yemen signs $ 6.7 mln in Japan aid to Saada refugees

[28/August/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen signed on Saturday an agreement for a Japanese grant worth $ 6.7 million in aid to the war-refugees in Saada. The grant was signed at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation by Deputy Minister Hisham Sharaf and Japan's ambassador in Sana'a Mitsunori Namba. The sum would be used for purchasing wheat and distributing it through the office of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Saada and 11 other provinces. After the signing, Sharaf appreciated the Japanese aid to the relief operations in the north as he said Yemen hopes other countries would initiate and provide financial aid to bridge a $ 70-million gap in funding for meeting requirements of the refugees from the last war in Saada by the end of year. Sharaf and Namba also discussed ways to boost the bilateral cooperation between Yemen and Japan in all areas. Sharaf also presented an official request to the Japanese government for a new grant for the public health sector and providing equipment for primary schools and spare parts for the electricity stations in the south. Namba said his country is ready to continue supporting Yemen as he praised the level of cooperation between his country and Yemen.

Japan supports education projects in Yemen

[23/August/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan has decided to extend two grants amounting to US$ 197,070 for two education projects in Hamdan District of Sana'a province and in Al-Manar District of Dhamar province. The two grants were under the scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects" which aims at supporting small-scale community-based projects in basic human needs fields, such as primary health care and basic education in the developing countries. Mr. Mitsunori Namba, Japanese ambassador to Yemen and Mr. Nagi Al-Shei'ani, Chair of the Local Council of Hamdan District and Ms. Hajir Muhsin Thabit, Chairwoman of Zahra Women's Association in Dhamar, signed the contracts at the Embassy in Sana'a. The grant to Hamdan is for constructing a new building for Al-Mahjar School for about 450 students. The current building is dangerously about to collapse. But due to shortage of classrooms, the students are studying in poor condition. The grant to Al-Manar is for constructing a new building for the 7th July School for about 170 boys and girls who are studying in a house owned by one of the community people. The current building is too small to accommodate all children. Many of students are studying outside and others are forced to stay at home. The projects in both schools will provide healthy and safe learning environment and help to increase high enrollment rates for the pupils. In the last Japanese fiscal year, Japan has funded 18 projects in Yemen under the Grass-Roots scheme with a total amount of US$ 1.5 million.

Yemen, JICA discuss adjustments for Thahban Institute workshop

[10/August/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) discussed here on Tuesday the requisite adjustments for the workshop of the Technical and Vocational Thahban Institute. The Capital Sana'a Local Council Secretary General Amin Joma'an held talks with a senior counselor of JICA for a project of improving technical education and vocational training system on the base of concrete cranes and electricity wires, sewerage system as well as the division of the classrooms. The two sides affirmed the importance of finalizing the required adjustments before the implantation of the experiential program on September 2010.

Japanese support to service projects in Amran discussed

[09/August/2010]

AMRAN (Saba) - Secretary General of Local Council of Amran province Saleh al-Makhlos discussed on Monday with the Japanese ambassador to Yemen, Mitsunori Namba, areas of Japanese support to service projects in the province. In the meeting, al-Makhlos valued Japan's support to Yemen and assistance provided to some areas in Amran province. He hoped the Japanese government would support service projects in the province, especially in rural areas and less development areas. For his part, the Japanese ambassador noted to the growing development in the Yemeni-Japanese relations, announcing that his government donated an ambulance and medical equipments for the Yemeni Red Crescent's branch in Amran province to support the humanitarian activity in the province. The Japanese ambassador along with the Undersecretary of Amran province Salem al-Himyari visited the production line at the AMRAN Cement Factory. They were briefed during the visit on the stages of development at the factory since its establishment and Japan's assistance to advance the productive capacity of the factory.

Yemen, JICA review support for GCRB central workshop

[08/August/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) reviewed here on Sunday the JICA's support for the central workshop of the General Corporation for Roads and Bridges (GCRB). Minister of Public Works and Roads Umar al-Kurshomi and JICA vice President Atsuo Kuroda discussed aspects of cooperation between the two sides and ways of promoting them. Al-Kurshomi and Kuroda dealt with the JICA's support to improve the workshop to be capable to pave and maintain the roads in Yemen. Al-Kurshomi valued the Japanese assistance to Yemen, pointing out to the distinctive relations between the two friendly countries in various fields including the public works and roads.

Japan supports 2 education projects in Yemen

[08/August/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - The Government of Japan extended on Sunday grants amounting to USD 200,000 for the two education projects in Broom-Mayfa district and Tarim district in Hadramout governorate. The projects are part of the scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects", which aims at supporting small-scale community-based projects in basic human needs fields, such as primary health care, basic education and drinking water supply in the developing countries. Ambassador of Japan to Yemen Mitsunori Namba and the manager of Broom-Mayfa District Education Office Musallem Barakt and the head of al-Graf School Ahmed Salem signed the contracts at the Embassy in Sana'a today. The grant to Broom-Mayfa, 30 km east of al-Mukalla city, is for reconstructing a new building for about 250 boys and girls. Boys are currently studying at another school away from their home and girls are forced to stay at home. Since the flood in 2008, the building of al-Ta'wn School was seriously damaged, now is dangerously about to collapse. The other grant to Tarim in Wadi Hadramout is to build additional building for boys students in al-Graf School. Due to the shortage of classrooms, numbers of students are now studying in a mosque and the school could not receive coming new students every year. The projects in both schools will provide healthy and safe environments for students, and encourage larger number of students to come to the schools. In the last Japanese fiscal year, Japan has funded 18 projects in Yemen under the Grass-Roots scheme with a total amount of USD 1.5 million.

JICA-funded development projects in Yemen reviewed

[08/August/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japanese Agency of International Cooperation (JICA) reviewed here on Sunday the implementation progress of JICA-funded development projects in Yemen. Foreign Minister Abu Baker al-Qirbi and JICA Vice President Atsuo Kuroda also discussed the areas of support that could be supported by JICA. During the meeting, al-Qirbi praised the aid provided by Japan for Yemen in various fields, which is reflected positively on the stabilization of Yemen and the region. He accented the importance of presenting more support within the Yemen Friends Group.

Al-Arhabi meets with JICA's official

[07/August/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Abdul Karim al-Arhabi met on Saturday with Deputy Chairman of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Al-Arhabi welcomed the Japanese official in his first visit to Yemen, noting to the growing development witnessed by bilateral relations between Yemen and Japan. He praised the contributions of JICA to support the development process in Yemen, appreciating the JICA's initiative to open its representation office in Yemen within the mutual keenness to develop areas of bilateral cooperation between Yemen and the Agency. In the meeting, the two sides reviewed issues relating to the implementation of JICA-funded projects in Yemen and plans of future support. For his part, the Japanese official affirmed the Agency's keenness to continue to offer all aspects of support to Yemen, pointing to the level of the existing cooperation between Yemen and JICA. The size of Japanese assistance to Yemen has increased during the period from April 2009 to March 2010 to USD 47 million, two times more than the previous fiscal year.

PM values Japanese assistance to Yemen

[07/August/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Prime Minister Ali Mujawar valued on Saturday assistance presented by Japan to Yemen in different fields of education, health and waters. During his meeting with the delegation of Japanese International Cooperation Agency JICA headed by its vice president Atsuo Kuroda, the prime minister highlighted the assistance of the JICA for the development process in Yemen. the JICA vice president briefed the prime minister on the outcomes of the mutual cooperation between the country and the agency in fields of basic education and water projects, saying that the Japanese agency would increase assistance to sector of developing the human resources in Yemen. He said that Yemen is rich with the human resources who need for qualification and training. The prime minister also appreciated contributions of the Japanese agency to the projects of the development in the country.

JICA official arrives in Yemen

[07/August/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Vice President of the Japanese Agency of International Cooperation (JICA) Atsuo Kuroda was welcomed at Sana'a Airport by deputy Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Hisham Sharaf. During his few-day visit to the country, Kuroda will hold talks with Yemeni officials on the promotion and development of cooperation fields between the JICA and Yemen. Upon his arrival, the JICA official said to Saba that he would look into the projects implemented by the Agency in Yemen, particularly in the areas of basic education and water. For his part, Sharaf praised the level of cooperation between Yemen and the JICA. "Japan is on the list of donors for Yemen in 2009 with a total amount of US$ 45 million", Sharaf pointed out. The Yemeni official added that talks would be held between the JICA official and Yemeni officials over the prospects for strategic cooperation between the two sides and to provide more support to Yemen, especially in rural water projects, vocational training, education and the Yemeni Coastguard. To establish a maritime safety system across the waters off Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, JICA has decided to dispatch a preparatory study team (PST) to Yemen which has a certain level of maritime security capability. In October 2003, the JICA was established as an independent administrative institution. It contributes to international cooperation by helping to strengthen the socio-economic structures of developing countries and contributing to the overall well being of both the Japanese and global economy.

Coastguard, JICA sign building capacity agreement

[03/August/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen Coastguards Authority signed on Tuesday with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) an agreement over improving the Yemen Coastguards Authority in the field of security and marine safety. The agreement was signed by chairman of Yemen Coastguards Authority Ali Rase and chairmen of studies at the JICA. Following the signing of the agreement, Rase praised the support presented by the JICA to train cadres of the Yemen Coastguards Authority. For his part, the JICA official affirmed readiness to deepen relations linking Yemen and Japan, noting that Japanese training teams will train the Yemen Coastguards Authority cadres during the coming 3 years.

Foreign Minister meets Japanese diplomat

[03/August/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Foreign Minister Abu-Baker al-Qirbi met on Tuesday in Sana'a with Japanese ambassador to Yemen Mitsunori Namba. During the meeting, al-Qirbi and Namba discussed bilateral relations between the two countries as well as arrangements for an expected visit of al-Qirbi to Japan.

Yemen, Japan discuss security cooperation

[31/July/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Interior Mutahar al-Masri held a meeting on Saturday with the delegation of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) over the security cooperation between Yemen and Japan especially in training of the Yemeni coastguards. They discussed current cooperation between the Yemeni and Japanese security bodies in field of training, and technical cooperation practically in combating piracy in Aden Gulf and Arabian Sea. The minister valued cooperation between the two countries, appreciating the Japanese support to the Yemen. The head of the JICA delegation highlighted notable progress achieved by the Yemeni coastguard, affirming readiness of the Japanese government to offer further assistance to train the Yemeni coastguards.

Yemen receives technical assistance form Japan Coastguard

[28/July/2010]

ADEN (Saba) - Yemeni Coastguard Training Institute received on Wednesday technical assistance form Japan Coastguard. The Japanese assistance includes computers, navigational and mechanical equipment in addition to others used for training coastguard forces. The assistance was presented during a meeting gathered the Institute's head Faisal Dhaif Allah and a technical team from the Japan Coastguard. They discussed enhancing mutual cooperation in training areas for the coastguard affiliates in different technical specialties, supply and combating piracy. The Japanese team has paid a visit to the institutes various departments and got acquainted with training and rehabilitating programs for the coast guard forces. The team head also praised the rehabilitation level of the institute affiliates, affirming his country's readiness to provide the technical support for the Yemeni Coastguard in that field.

Japanese official praises Yemen coastguard

[27/July/2010]

ADEN (Saba) - The technical team leader of Japanese Coastguard praised on Tuesday the advanced level of Yemen's Coastguard and its role in combating terrorism and maritime piracy to ensure the safety of Yemen's territorial waters and ports. During a meeting of the Japanese official, who visiting the country, with the General Director of Coastguard Lotaf al-Barati, he expressed his country's willingness to provide support and technical assistance to implement the Yemeni Coastguard's plans. The Japanese team listened a brief explanation from Yemeni officials on the stages of the development of the Yemeni Coastguard and their future plans.

Al-Alimi meets Japanese ambassador

[19/July/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Deputy Prime Minister for Security and Defense Affairs Rashad al-Alimi met in here on Monday with the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Mitsunori Namba. During the meeting, al-Alimi and Namba discussed several issues to progress the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Al-Alimi praised the assistance the Japanese government presents to the development in the country, accentuating the necessity to reinforce the mutual cooperation in various areas.

Agreement of 2nd phase for bridge program of girl education signed

[11/July/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Ministry of Education signed on Sunday an agreement of the second phase of bridge program of girl education with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency JICA. Under the agreement, the program would support 70 schools in seven districts of Dhamar by offering YR 300,000 for each school during the 2010-2011 school year, and the government would pay 30 percent of the sum during that year. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Education Abdul Salam al-Jawfi and the JICA representative to Yemen. Moreover, the minister held a meeting with the joint coordination committee of the program and discussed different activities of the program.

Japanese support to Yemen reaches USD 47 mln in 2010

[27/June/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Deputy Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Hisham Sharaf appreciated on Sunday the initiative of Japan's government to lift the ceiling of its support to Yemen to reach USD 47 million. This came during a press conference held in Sana'a, during which Sharaf point to the growing development witnessed by the cooperation relations between Yemen and Japan. Sharaf pointed out that the ceiling of Japanese support to Yemen has increase during the period from April 2009 to March 2010, as much as two times and a half of the previous ceiling. He confirmed that there is Japanese understanding for the nature of Yemen needs, noting that the Yemeni government made a request to the Japanese government for the allocation of scholarships for Yemeni students in Japanese universities. In this regard, he noted that Tokyo offers annually 50 short-term training scholarships under the Japanese-Yemeni cooperation in the field of human capacity development. Yemen hopes to boost cooperation with Japan in investments field said, Sharaf said affirming in this regard that there are intensive efforts to activate the investment environment in Yemen and to attractive foreign investments. He added Yemen has experienced campaigns to discredit its reputation and provoke confusion about the security situation in the country, which are nothing more than false campaigns refuted by the fact of the investment environment improvement in Yemen. The growing development in the Yemeni-Japanese cooperation relations has come as a result of the successful visit of President Ali Abdullah Saleh recently to Japan, Sharaf indicated. For his part, the Japanese ambassador to Sana'a Mitsunori Namba affirmed Japan's keenness to boost bilateral cooperation areas with Yemen, noting that there Japanese trends to raise the ceiling of developmental to support presented to Yemen in future. He pointed his country's understanding for the nature of economic and security challenges faced by Yemen, especially with regard to piracy crimes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. In this connection, the Japanese ambassador pointed out that his country had sent two warships and an aircraft equipped with a security survey devices to the region, in addition to providing the capacity of Yemen Coastguard Forces with advanced training programs in the fields of combating piracy and maritime security.

JICA to restore marine institute at $5 mln

[26/June/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) discussed here on Saturday a study to restore marine technical institute in Khormaksar district in Aden at $5 million funded by the Japanese government. Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training Ibrahim Hajri and the JICA Resident Representative in Yemen office Takeshi Komori talked about the possibilities of setting mechanism and discussing means of implementing the project that is scheduled to start working early next year 2011. The two sides affirmed the importance of the project in serving the fisheries development sector in Yemen and raising training and rehabilitation level of the institute's students. Komori expressed JICA's preliminary approval to finance this vital project by providing modern means and technical equipments as well as offering a multi-purpose ship for the institute. For his part, Hajri pointed out to the significance of this institute which is to supply Yemeni and Gulf markets with skilled and well qualified outputs in fisheries and marine areas. The marine technical institute is the only institute in Yemen in this field, he added. The Minister praised the JICA's efforts in supporting the economic process in Yemen, particularly in improving the system of the technical education and vocational training in order to cope with the markets and labor needs in various fields.

Japan accepts to support Yemen's coastguard

[24/June/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemeni Coastguard Authority (YCA) said on Thursday that Yemen has received officially the Japanese government's approval to support the YCA in sea security area. YCA head Ali Rase'a told the Defense Minister website that the Japanese support would include various sized security boats that would assists YCA to send patrols in the regional waters to secure shipping routes in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea.

Japan reiterates its support to Yemen

[22/June/2010]

SANA'A - Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Japan Koichi Takimasa affirmed on Tuesday his country's support to Yemen's security and stability, considering that essential for the region as a whole. This came during a meeting gathered Yemen's ambassador to Tokyo Marwan Noman and the Japanese minister, who valued Yemen's efforts in combating terrorism and confirmed Japan's readiness to partake in the Ministerial meeting of Yemen Friends, to be held in next September. The Japanese minister welcomed the expected visit of Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi to Japan in autumn of this year, which would enhance the cooperation between the two friendly countries. Noman voiced the Yemeni government's appreciation for the Japanese support to Yemen in capacity-building of Yemeni coastguard so as to qualify them to contribute to combating piracy and terrorism. He stressed the importance of the continuous Japanese support to finance the strategic projects in energy areas. On another hand, Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan affirmed his country's readiness to study the possibility of financing clean energy projects in Yemen though its line to address the climate and global warming. During his meeting with the Yemeni ambassador, the Japanese official praised Yemen's cooperation with the international community in maintaining security and stability in the region and the world. Furthermore, the Yemeni ambassador called on the Japanese investors to invest in Yemen, especially in oil and energy areas, inviting the Japanese official to visit Yemen to get acquainted with the investment opportunities in the different fields.

JICA's BRIDGE Project 2nd phase in Dhamar discussed

[20/June/2010]

DHAMAR (Saba) - Officials of Dhamar governorate and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) discussed here on Sunday the practical steps of implementing the second phase of the JICA's Broadening Regional Initiative for Developing Girls' Education (BRIDGE) Project. The project is to be carried out in Dhamar province from the beginning of the coming school year. During their meeting with the BRIDGE team, headed by Keiko Mizuno, Dhamar governor Yahya Ali al-Amri and Secretary General of the Local Council Mojahed al-Ansi affirmed desire and readiness to support the project's obligations by the Local Council. They also hailed the big efforts of the JICA in Yemen by choosing Dhamar province to implement the second phase of BRIDGE Project in which its first phase was implemented in Taiz province to encourage girl's education. For her part, the project official gave a brief explanation on the organization's plans to cooperate with girls' rehabilitation programs and encourage them to reach ranks of formal education. The project, which targeted Dhamar province, aims to increase opportunities of enrolling girls of rural areas in education. They agreed in the meeting to be expand and increase the number of schools targeted by the project, besides the current 70 schools in seven districts, in the coming phases which is to be implemented within four years.

Education Minister meets JICA's delegation

[16/June/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Education Abdul-Salam al-Jawfi met here on Wednesday a delegation of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Talks in the meeting dealt with the bilateral cooperation in the field of education and means of boosting them as well as the project to expand the local initiative for the development of girls' education "Bridge" with its two phases in Taiz and Dhamar provinces. The two sides discussed the mechanism to ensure the project's budget as well as future projects to support the basic education in Yemen, especially in Dhamar and Aden provinces. Al-Jawfi commended the JICA's efforts and contributions in supporting the girls education, which comes within the Education Ministry's efforts in the field of girls' education and literacy. The JICA's delegation praised the efforts of the Ministry to promote the educational process as well as the government's commitment towards the implemented projects.

FM undersecretary meets Japanese ambassador

[13/June/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - First Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry Mohi al-Din al-Dhabi met here on Sunday with Japanese ambassador to Yemen Mitsunori Namba. Al-Dhabi and Namba discussed reviewed the outcomes of Yemen Friends' Group meeting held in the German capital, Berlin, as a prelude for other coming meetings. The two sides also aspects of cooperation between Yemen and Japan and ways of developing them in order to serve the two countries' common interests.

Japan wills to support Yemen fishery sector

[07/June/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan expressed on Monday willingness to support Yemen to rehabilitate Aden Aquaculture Research Centre and to establish a model fish port. During his meeting with Minister of Fisheries Wealth Mohammed Shamlan, the Japanese ambassador to Sana'a Mitsunori Namba said that Japan's government is ready to prop up Yemen's effort in fish researches field. The Japanese diplomat stressed the need to strengthen cooperation between Yemen and Japan in field of training, rehabilitation and development of fish information system as well as the completion of fish sector infrastructure. Minister Shamlan called on Japanese investors to take advantage from the investment opportunities available in the fishery sector, especially in the field of Tuna farming, which is demanded very mach in the Japanese markets.

Yemeni-Japanese parliamentary cooperation discussed

[01/June/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan discussed on Tuesday subjects of promoting their mutual cooperation relations in different fields, including the parliamentary one. The discussions were held in a meeting of Speaker of the Parliament Yahya al-Rae'i and Japanese ambassador to Yemen Mitsunori Namba who talked about several issues dealing with the two countries' common interests. They also reviewed cooperation fields in exchanging legislative experiences in order to improve the legislative performance. The importance of exchanging visits between Yemeni and Japanese officials to achieve the aimed trends for serving the two countries' joint interests was also dealt with in the meeting. Al-Rae'i welcomed Japanese investments in Yemen. He also hailed the existed relations between Yemen and Japan, calling for raising the level of economic cooperation between both countries. In return, the Japanese diplomat referred to the development level witnessed in Yemen in various fields, affirming the significance of improving the Yemeni-Japanese cooperation relations to include further developmental sectors.

FM meets Japanese diplomat

[31/May/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi met on Monday with Japanese ambassador to Yemen Mitsunori Namba. During the meeting, the two officials discussed aspects of cooperation between the two countries and means of promoting them, particularly in development and combating terrorism areas.

PM meets Japanese ambassador

[24/May/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Prime Minister Ali Mujawar met here on Monday with Mr. Mitsunori Namba on the occasion of his recent appointment as ambassador to Yemen. In the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation relations between the two friendly countries and means of boosting them in the trade, economic, culture and investment areas. Mujawar praised the Japanese government's contributions to support the development programs in Yemen, noting the historic friendship relations between the two friendly peoples. He reiterated the call to the Japanese investors to invest in the various investment sectors and to avail from the investment opportunities in Yemen, affirming that they would enjoy all aspects of care and support and facilities. For his part, the Japanese diplomat noted to the continued development witnessed by the relations between the friendly peoples, pointing to the mutual keenness to strengthen these relations in all areas. He pointed to the prevailing security in Yemen, which is incompatible with what the foreign media portrayed. The Japanese ambassador emphasized that he would do his best to strengthen the bilateral relations in various economic and developmental sectors.

$1.08 million in Japanese support for African refugees in Yemen

[18/May/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan has decided to allocate almost $1.08 million for the UNHCR in Yemen to help African refugees, mostly Somalis, arriving in the country almost daily. The Japanese embassy in Sana'a said in a statement that the sum would be used to implement the UNHCR programs for providing the refugees with shelter, water, sanitation and healthcare services as well as other basic services. It is worth to mention that Japan is one of the big financial supporters of the UNHCR for decades. African refugees, mostly from Somalia and Ethiopia, arrive in Yemen in daily numbers, with the authorities saying the number of those who have already arrived is estimated at hundreds of thousands of displaced people. The refugees flee conflicts and deteriorating living conditions in their homelands. Last year, the UN said that over 50,000 people crossed the sea to Yemen. Over the first quarter of this year, the UNHCR said the flow of the refugees slowed, with those who arrived roughly 3,200 people, a third of their number during the same period last year. The refugees lay more burdens on Yemen's fragile economy and social structure as well as posing threats to the country's national security.

Yemen, Japan talk on future agricultural cooperation

[17/May/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Mansour al-Hawshabi held talks on Monday with the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Mitsunori Namba on the aspects of enhancing the future agricultural cooperation between Yemen and Japan. The talks dealt with some issues concerning the Japanese aid in the agricultural field and the grant allocated to support the productivity increase, which focus on providing the poor farmers with agricultural equipment that is expected to arrive in the coming July. Al-Hawshabi appreciated the Japanese support to the agricultural development in Yemen through providing agricultural equipment and requirements, which contribute in increasing the productivity and improve the quality of agricultural products.

Japan supports rural water projects in Yemen with $17 mln

[17/May/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan signed here on Monday an agreement of Japan grant presented to Rural Water Project at a total cost of about USD 17 million. Under the agreement, signed by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Abdul Karim al-Arhabi and Minister of Water and Environment Abdul-Rahman al-Eryani and the Japanese ambassador in Sana'a Mitsunori Namba, the Japanese government would provide USD 17 million dedicated for implementing rural water projects in provinces of Sana'a, Mahweet, Dhamar, Ibb and Taiz aiming to facilitate citizens' access to water in some selected areas within the five provinces. After singing the agreement, al-Arhabi lauded the contributions of the Japanese government to support the Yemeni government's effort in developing the rural water projects and rehabilitating water supply facilities, affirming Yemen's keenness to boost the bilateral cooperation with Japan in all areas of joint cooperation. For his part, the Japanese diplomat confirmed his country's interest to continue offering all aspects of possible support to enhance the development process in Yemen, praising the level of bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries.

Japanese support for Yemeni coastguard in Aden discussed

[11/May/2010]

ADEN (Saba) - Yemen and Japan held talks on Tuesday in Aden city over the Japanese support for enhancing capacities of the Yemeni coastguard in combating piracy. In a meeting- brought together director of the training center for Aden Coastguard Fisal Dhafulllah with the head of the Japanese consultation team- discussed assistance of Japan for the coastguard which includes technical equipment and modern boats. The assistance is based on agreement signed between authority of coastguard and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) last April. The director of the center valued the Japanese support for the authority. The Japanese official affirmed concern of the Japanese government to support technical assistance for the authority of the Yemeni coastguard.

Yemen, Japan talk in military cooperation

[09/May/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Chairman of General Staff Ahmed Ali al-Ashwal held a meeting on Sunday with the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Mitsunori Namba over military cooperation between the two countries. During the meeting, both sides discussed aspect of enhancing cooperation in various areas including cooperation between the Yemeni coastguards and naval forces of Japan.

Yemeni-Japanese possible parliamentary forum discussed

[29/April/2010]

TOKYO (Saba) - Yemen and Japan have discussed issues relating to the establishment of the Yemeni-Japanese parliamentary forum. Yemen ambassador to Japan Marwan Numan met separately in Tokyo on Thursday with member of Japanese House of Representatives Acouttso Pukekohe and the member of Senate Fujita Yukiisa. The two Japanese officials praised the Yemeni-Japanese strong relations, welcoming the idea of the parliamentary forum between the two countries. They also affirmed their country's to support for Yemen for building capacities of the oastguards, fighting against sea piracy and armed robbery and counterterrorism. the Yemeni ambassador, for his part, appreciated support provided by Japan for Yemen.

JICA offer $7.6 mln to support roads in Yemen

[28/April/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - An agreement was signed here on a grant provided by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), devoted to developing the Central Workshop for maintaining road equipments of the General Corporation for Roads and Bridges at a cost of USD 7.6 million. The agreement signed by al-Arhabi and Minister of Public Works and Roads Omar al-Kurshomi and the JICA's Resident Representative in Yemen office Takeshi Komori. After signing the agreement, al-Arhabi praised the JICA's contributions to support the development process in Yemen, affirming that the development of road sector in Yemen represents a priority in the economic development. For his part, the Japanese official confirmed the JICA's keenness to contribute effectually in strengthening the relations of current and future cooperation between Yemen and Japan through financing developmental and economic projects in Yemen.

Yemen, Japan sign initial agreement on fighting piracy

[25/April/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan signed here on Sunday an initial agreement on providing patrol boats by Japan to the Yemeni coastguard for supporting its efforts to fight piracy and terrorism. The agreement stipulated that Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will finance a preliminary survey for the coastguard capacity-building project in addition the providing a number of patrol boats. The project aims at promoting the coastguard capacity in order to be able to carry out its tasks, prop up the international efforts targeting to fight piracy and terrorism and to ensure the security of international shipping lanes at Aden Gulf and the Arabian Sea.

Al-Arhabi praises Japan's support for Yemeni Coastguard

[25/April/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Abdul-Karim al-Arhabi praised here on Sunday the keenness of the Japanese government in promoting the capability of Yemeni Coastguard. During his meeting with a Japanese delegation of Foreign Ministry and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) headed be Mr. Yukihiro Koizumi, al-Arhabi noted to the incessant development in the Yemeni-Japanese cooperation relations. The two officials reviewed areas of cooperation between Yemen and Japan as well as means of enhancing them for serving the two countries' joint objectives. The Minister affirmed Yemen's keenness to develop aspects of bilateral cooperation with Japan in order to serving the joint interests. Yemen wishes that Japan would play an active role in supporting the government's efforts aiming to providing the financings needed for promoting the coastguard's potentials for enabling it to enhance its abilities fighting terrorism and piracy acts. In return, Koizumi renewed his country's keenness to provide all support required to establish Yemen's security and stability, affirming the readiness of the Japanese government to enlarge the cooperation with Yemen in area of maritime security.

Yemen discusses accessing to WTO with Japan, EU

[19/April/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen, Japan, European Union (EU) held talks on Monday on the current arrangements to complete the requirements of Yemeni accession to World Trade Organization (WTO). In two separate meetings, Minister of Industry and Trade Yahya al- Mutawakel discussed with Japanese ambassador to Yemen Mitsunori Namba and EU's ambassador to Yemen Michele Cervone D'urso the especial preparations for the visit of Yemeni negotiation team to Geneva next month to complete the mutual negotiations. While the two ambassadors renewed their support to complete the Yemen's accessing to WTO, al-Mutawakel pinned hope to reach a bilateral agreement with Japan in the field of market access. He voiced appreciation of the EU and Japanese support to Yemen accession to WTO.

Japan supports Qat-affected people with over $2.5 mln

[19/April/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan granted Yemen on Monday with $2,780,000 to support the people affected by cultivating and chewing Qat. Under the agreement signed in Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) grants the aforesaid amount to support the activities of the Yemeni Women Union (YWU) aiming at establishing projects for supporting the urban and rural families affected by the cultivation of Qat. The projects, which are to be carried out under the supervision of the World Bank (WB), would also provide alternative opportunities for these people to encourage them to curb Qat cultivation. Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Abdul-Karim al-Arhabi said that involving the YWU in the efforts of the government's system, which targets to combat the dealing and cultivating of Qat comes from the government's directions. The directions of the government aim to specify a wider area from the women participation in Yemen for having the ability and capability to participate in the development process in different fields such as the economic and developmental one. It is worth to mention that Qat planting in Yemen increases yearly at an average of 4,000 to 6,000 hectares, using about 30 percent of the water resources allotted to agriculture. The production and consumption of Qat have increased during the last years. Qat competes with many food crops, particularly the cash crops such as coffee and cotton. According to agricultural census data, Yemen's production of Qat rose from 118,207 tons of the total planted lands estimated to 122,843 hectares in 2004 to reach 165,668 tons from 146,810 hectares at the end of 2008.

Japanese support for Yemeni security authorities discussed

[18/April/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan discussed here on Sunday the studies and plans related to the Japanese support for the Yemeni security authorities. Minister of Interior Mutahir al-Masri held talks with a Japanese delegation on aspects of cooperation and coordination between Yemen and Japan in various areas, topped by security. They also talked about the Japanese assistance to the Yemeni coastguard either equipment and petrol boats or in the technical and training areas. Several issues relating to civil defense were also highlighted during the meeting. The Japanese delegation has talked about the studies and plans to be carried out as a part of the Japanese assistance for the Yemeni coastguard according to the mechanism to be signed later. He also showed his country's readiness to offer more aid and consultations in a way that serves the two countries' mutual relations. In return, al-Masri affirmed the Ministry's willingness to give all the facilities to ensure accelerating the implementation of the agreements which are going to be singed, praising the Japanese assistance for Yemen particularly in security field.

Minister of Technical Education meets JICA's mission

[17/April/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training Ibrahim Hajri met on Saturday with the Japanese Agency of International Cooperation (JICA)'s mission for improving technical education system. They discussed the progress in the implementation of the project to create the cars maintenance and electricity section in Dhahban Institute in Sana'a at a cost of USD 4 million. In the meeting, the two sides reviewed the performance of the project and its importance in making a qualitative leap in the development of the technical education and vocational training to meet the needs of market and to cope with the developments and changes witnessed by the world in various fields. They stressed the importance of commitment to the project's plan and timetable, which is expected to be launched during the next school year 2010-2011. The project would represent an example of the technical cooperation between the JICA and the Ministry of Technical Education and Vocational Training, they indicated. The project aims to establish a cars maintenance section in the Technical and Industrial Institute in Dahban and to train the employees, students and teachers. The JICA in collaboration with the ministry seeks to develop a training program and improve the capacity of the main office in the capital Sana'a, as well as to establish a network of public and private partnership in the field of cars maintenance in cooperation with the private sector.

Yemeni-Japanese anti-terrorism, piracy talks

[16/April/2010]

TOKYO (Saba) - Yemen and Japan reviewed on Friday aspects of joint cooperation between the two countries and ways to boost them, particularly in the battle against terrorism and piracy. The discussions were held during a meeting of Yemen's ambassador to Japan Marwan Noman with the adviser of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshikatsu Nakayama. The Yemeni diplomat and the Japanese official discussed the fields of cooperation between their countries in the areas of coordinating efforts in the fight against terrorism and piracy. They also reviewed ways to attract Japanese companies to invest in Yemen, especially electric power generation, wind power and oil and gas explorations. Yemeni ambassador to Japan Noman praised the support provided by the government of Japan to Yemen in various fields.

Al-Wehida Hospital in Aden to be supplied with clean energy

[14/April/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan signed here on Wednesday an agreement to supply the Alwehida Hospital in Aden governorate with clean energy. The agreement signed in Planning and International Cooperation Ministry is stipulated that the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) grants the hospital with about $6 million to be supplied with clean energy via photoelectric energy. After signing the agreement, Deputy Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Hishem Sharaf said providing the hospital with clean energy is a beginning for many similar experiences aim to alleviate the bad impacts of the global warming phenomenon. He also praised the JICA's assistance to support the government efforts to use the alternative energy resources, applauding the current level of cooperation with JICA.

Hadramout official hails Japanese support

[13/April/2010]

SAYON (Saba) - Undersecretary of Hadramout Province Omair Mubarak hailed on Tuesday continues support of the Japan to enhance the capacities of some facilities and service insinuations in Wadi Hadramout. During his meeting with the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Mitsunori Namba, Mubarak noted that the Japanese assistance reflects the Yemeni-Japanese distinctive relations. He called on studying the possibility of the Japanese embassy to contribute in implementing a center for physiotherapy and artificial limbs project in Wadi Hadramout. Wadi Hadramout has tourist sites which can be considered as an attractive factor for tourists to visit this region, The undersecretary wished that the Japanese diplomat will play a big role in picturing the wonderful tourist sites in Hadramout for the concerned people in Japan to increase the number of the Japanese tourists. In return, the Japanese ambassador expressed his admiration of the tourist and archaeological sites in Wadi Hadramout, noting to the deep-rooted of the historical relations that tie the two friendly countries.

Two Japanese-funded projects inaugurated

[13/April/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan held on Tuesday ceremonies for inauguration and handing over two projects worth $173,006, funded by Japanese government on educational and cleanness fields in Hadramout province. Deputy Governor of Hadramout Omeer Mubrak and Japanese ambassador to Yemen Mitsunori Namba held the handing over ceremonies of a grant of $86,800 for the project of "Improving Solid Waste Management in al-Qatun District". The grant is to be used for purchasing 4 garbage trucks to the local council of al-Qatun for improving cleaning activities, by which 70,000 people in 19 villages will avail from. Mubrak and Namba also inaugurated nine additional classrooms in Maseelah al-Sheikh School for girls in Tarim cost $86,206 funding by the Japanese government. The project aims at helping to accommodate the increasing number of students every year in the area. The Japanese Government's scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects" has been assisting in the fields of drinking water, environmental, health care, education including disable and girls, over the last 10 years in Yemen. During the last Japanese fiscal year (April 1, 2009 - March 31, 2010) the Government of Japan funded 18 projects in Yemen amounting to about USD 1.5 million under the above mentioned Japanese scheme.

Minute of funding purchase of equipment for RBC signed

[11/April/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - A minute of understanding was signed on Sunday for funding purchase of equipment for the Yemeni Roads and Bridges Corporation (RBC) at sum of $2.6 million within the Japanese support for Yemen. The minute was signed by chairman of the cooperation Ahmed al-Hisam and representative of Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Japan finances community projects in Yemen with US$ 1.5 mln

[03/April/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan has provided a total of 18 local public entities and non-government organizations (NGOs) in Yemen with an aggregate amount of US$ 1.5 million to finance small-scale, community-based development projects. In a press release, the Japanese embassy in Sana'a said on Saturday that these projects were financed during the Japanese fiscal year 2009 (April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010), under its Grassroots Human Security Grant assistance Program. "These 18 Japanese grants were extended to the NGOs, the local authorities, the health and education offices, hospitals and schools in 11 governorates of Yemen", the embassy mentioned. "The grants were used to support projects such as constructing, expanding and rehabilitating schools, provide medical equipments and installations, procure ambulances, buses and training equipments to the disabled children associations, improve the water supply systems in the rural areas and so on". The embassy added that the Grass-Roots Scheme was designed to meet the basic human needs in Yemen, such as "primary health care, basic education, water supply, poverty relief and environment, in order to lift the living condition in the grass-roots level". "The series of projects resulted in encouraging more students particularly females to go to schools, providing better quality medical services particularly for mothers and children, and supplying drinking water in wider areas". The scheme has an excellent reputation during the last 10 years in Yemen as the grants reached directly to local communities and were disbursed timely in need. With the beginning of the fiscal year 2010, the Japanese embassy would like to invite local NGOs and public entities in governorates and districts to apply for the grassroots Human Security Grant Assistance Program, by sending to the Embassy a specific form of funding request for approximately US$ 100,000 per project.

Yemen seeks Japanese support for establishing local TV channel

[01/April/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan discussed here on Thursday the possible Japanese support for establishing and outfitting a local TV channel in Hadramout governorate. The Director General of the Yemen General Corporation for Radio and TV Abdullah al-Zalab held talks with the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Mitsunori Namba on the cooperation relations between the corporation and the Japanese counterparts in technical and program exchange fields. Enhancing the program exchange, the Japanese ambassador gifted the corporation the famous Japanese series "Oshin" to be aired on the Yemeni TV satellite channels. "Oshin" is a very well-known Japanese series, which was broadcast for a year from April 1983. It tells the story of a poor little girl who would someday become the owner of a big supermarket chain in Japan. The series has been aired in 59 countries and regions.

JICA education projects in Aden discussed

[31/March/2010]

ADEN (Saba) - Governor of Aden Adnan al-Jafri met on Wednesday with donors coordinator at program of prompting girl education of Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) over educational projects of the agency in the province. The governor said that the leadership of the province is working now to collect required funds to support the projects of girl education, affirming importance of such projects to encourage girls to enroll into schools. The JICA official reviewed activities of the agency and its successful experiments in field of girl education in Taiz, Ibb and Sana'a capital, adding that the agency would carry out education projects in the province in coming period.

Japanese investment possibilities in Yemen discussed

[30/March/2010]

TOKYO (Saba) - Yemen ambassador to Japan Marwan Numan discussed on Tuesday with the Japanese Deputy Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry aspects of cooperation between the two countries as well as the possibilities for Japanese companies to invest in Yemen in various fields. During the meeting, the ambassador affirmed the importance of Japanese officials to support Yemen efforts in attracting the direct Japanese investment in all fields. He indicated that investment projects contribute to stability of Yemen and play a vital role in security of international navigation passages, in addition to the regional security and stability in the Arabian Peninsula.

Three Japanese-funded projects inaugurated in Aden

[30/March/2010]

ADEN (Saba) - Yemen and Japan inaugurated here on Tuesday three projects in Aden governorate. General Secretary of Aden governorate Abdul-Karim Shaef and Japanese ambassador to Yemen Mitsunori Namba have attended the inauguration and handing over ceremonies for three projects of "Rehabilitating al-Burayqah Mentally Retarded Children School", "Improving Medical Services in Mother and Child Health Centre" and "Expanding Koud al-Othmani Health Centre' in Sheikh Othman District. The first project at al-Burayqah school was to rehabilitate the 1960s building, aiming at providing safe and comfortable study environment for 72 disable students in the school worth at $85,287. The second project was building an additional medical centre and the third one was purchasing medical equipments for mother and child care and laboratory rooms. Both are in Sheikh Othman and were worth $150,000 granted by the Japanese government in 2008 and 2009. They will improve daily medical services for 90,000 local inhabitants in Sheikh Othman district.

Meanwhile, Governor of Aden Adnan al-Jeffri met on Monday with Japanese ambassador to Yemen Mitsunori Namba. Al-Jeffri and Namba discussed a series of grant aids from the Japanese Government in the past, and means of further developing collaboration between the Embassy of Japan and the Governorate of Aden. The Ambassador also visited the Aden Cleaning Fund, to which the Japanese Government had provided numbers of garbage trucks and walky-talky devices to enhance cleaning activities in the governorate in 2007. The Japanese Government's scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects" has been assisting in the fields of drinking water, environmental, health care, education including disable and girls over the last 10 years in Yemen. During this Japanese fiscal year (April 2009 - March 2010) Japan funded 18 projects in Yemen amounting to about $1.5 million under the abovementioned Japanese scheme.

Yemen, Japan discuss cooperation in fishery fields

[28/March/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan discussed here on Sunday aspects of cooperation between them in fields of fishery researches, control maritime inspection. During his meeting with the first secretary in the Japanese Embassy in Sana'a, undersecretary of Fisheries Wealth Ministry and Assistant for Technical and Quality Affairs Abdul-Raouf Ben Braik affirmed Yemen's keenness to benefit from the Japanese experience in fisheries fields through training the Yemeni cadres. For his part, the Japanese official expressed his country's readiness to send experts for training the Yemeni cadres in the fisheries sector, reviewing the Japanese experience in that regard.

Education minister meets BRIDGE program official

[27/March/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Education Abdul-Salam al-Jawfi met on Saturday the team head of Broadening Regional Initiative for Developing Girls' Education (BRIDGE) program of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). In the meeting, the two sides discussed aspects of enhancing the mutual cooperation between Yemen and Japan. They discussed achievements of BRIDGE program since January till now and the successful solutions which guaranteed the continuity of the project. They also discussed aspects of expanding the project to include Aden governorate as well as Taiz, Sana'a and Dhamar and presenting technical support to Aden. In this regard, the two officials discussed the training process for the project workers by Japan in May after holding the joint annual revision with donors.

Yemeni envoy meets Japanese official

[27/March/2010]

TOKYO (Saba) - Yemeni ambassador to Japan Marwan Noaman has met Executive chairman of The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). During the meeting, the Yemeni envoy and the Japanese official reviewed aspects of trade cooperation between Yemen and the JETRO as well as possibilities of investment by Japanese companies in various areas in Yemen. Noaman called on the JETRO chairman to urge Japanese companies to invest in infrastructure sector in Yemen, including the areas of solar energy, wind power, water desalination, oil and gas exploration and heavy and light industries.

Technical education to receive Japanese grant of 36 car motors

[22/March/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training Ibrahim Hajari said on Monday the ministry would receive in coming days a grant presented by the Japanese government to Yemen. The Japanese grant is around 36 car motors to the technical education in Yemen within efforts of developing system of the technical especially in field of vehicle maintenance. In the second meeting for the joint Yemeni-Japanese coordination committee for project of improving the system of technical education in vehicle maintenance, the minister said the meeting was important to evaluate the project during the previous period. The project is funded by the Japanese government represented by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at sum of $4 million for four years started from 2009. The minister valued the Japanese support for the development process in Yemen and the technical education. The JICA representative made it clear that the agency has worked to support Yemen in the capacities building as the agency sent three Yemeni students to receive technical courses in Japan.

Japan calls Int'l community to support Yemeni development

[17/March/2010]

TOKYO (Saba) - Japan stressed on Wednesday the significance of international community's support for the Yemeni government's efforts in development and combating poverty. Parliament Speaker of Japan Takahiro Yokomichi said that the Japanese government would provide the appropriate assistance to enhance the security, stability and unity of Yemen. The Japanese official's statements came during his meeting with the Yemeni ambassador to Japan Marwan Noaman. Yokomichi said that the strategic location of Yemen prompts the international community to back the Yemeni development efforts that would be reflected on the security and stability in Yemen and the region. The Japanese official said that his government had doubled the share of Japanese aid to Yemen, especially in the areas of health, education and rural water, in addition to its aid to raise the Yemen's capacities to fight against piracy. For his part, Noaman extended an invitation from the parliament speaker Yahay al-Rae'i to the Japanese Speaker to visit Yemen, highlighting the importance of establishing a Yemeni-Japanese parliamentary association in the Japanese parliament equivalent to that in the Yemeni parliament. He expressed the government's appreciation of the Japanese support for the development in Yemen and coastguard's efforts in fighting piracy.

Japan supports Education and Health Projects in Yemen

[17/March/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan has decided to extend two grants amounting to YR 41.46 million for two education and health projects in Aden and Mahweet. "Japan has decided to extend a grant amounting to YR 20.98 million for the project of "Improving Environment of Home Economics Education at Al-Qadesiya School for Girls in Aden province", and another grant amounting to YR 20.48 million for the project of "Constructing a Health Centre in Bani Sa'ad District in Mahweet province", the Japanese Embassy said on Wednesday. In a press release, the embassy made it cleared that the two grants were under the scheme called “Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects” which aims at supporting small-scale community-based projects in basic human needs fields, such as primary health care, basic education and drinking water supply in the developing countries. The first grant is to the General Education Office in Aden to build two classrooms and provide cooking and sewing training equipments targeting 640 girls studying in grades 7-9 at Al-Qadesiya School in order to help them acquire home economic skills. The second grant is to the Mahweet Health Office to upgrade the current health unit by constructing a new health centre in order to improve its services. Up 3,250 residents in 34 villages in Bani Sa'ad will have its benefits. Mr. Mitsunori Namba, ambassador of Japan to Yemen signed the agreements of the two grants with Ms. Ibtisam Salih Ali, Girls Education Manager at Aden Education Office and Dr. Ameen Mohammed Hubaish, the Director of the Mahweet Health Office. During this Japanese fiscal year (April 1, 2009 - March 31, 2010) Japan funded 18 projects so far including these two in Yemen, amounting to about USD 1.5 million under the above mentioned Japanese scheme. In the last Japanese fiscal year, Japan funded 16 projects in Yemen under the same scheme with a total amount of more than USD 1.2 million.

Yemen, Japan launch public health project

[11/March/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan have launched a project of public health improvement in Dimt town of Dalei province worth $80,500. The project, which is under the Japanese scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects" was launched by Dalei Province Undersecretary Sadiq al-Edrisi, Undersecretary of Local Administration Ministry Salim al-Shahtari and the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Mitsunori Namba. The project of public health improvement in Dimt town aims to garbage collection and disposal and to assist in improving the environment and health cleanness in the town to attract the tourists, who come to the town to enjoy having baths in its Sulfur Waters.

Further talks for Yemen accession into WTO held

[08/March/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Industry and Trade Yahya al-Mutawakil talked Monday with the Japan ambassador to Sana'a Mitsunori Namba about the economic relations between the two countries and mechanisms to improve them. The meeting discussed Yemen efforts to develop the industrial and commercial sector to improve industry in general. They also shed lights on the bilateral negotiations between Yemen and Japan on the accession of Yemen into the World Trade Organization (WTO). The minister renewed Yemen need for more flexibility by Japan, specially with regard to negotiations on entering goods to markets. The Japanese ambassador, for his part, showed readiness to follow up the process of the bilateral negotiations in different aspects, affirming that Japan supports Yemen to join the WTO.

Yemen requests Japan officially to resume Yen soft loans

[08/March/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen requested on Monday Japan officially to resume Yen soft loans to be used for generating new and renewable energy from solar and wind sources. During his meeting with President of the Japan Agency for International Cooperation (JICA) Sadako Ogata, Yemen's ambassador to Japan Marwan Abdullah Noman extended her an invitation to visit Yemen. The two officials discussed several issues concerning JICA's aid to Yemen including programs of training basic education instructors, loans and aid resources management and rehabilitation program for health sector. The Yemeni ambassador valued JICA's efforts to support the Yemeni coastguard and vocational education in addition to providing al-Wihda Hospital in Aden with energy based on solar. He also appreciated Japan's participation in the London Conference last February and welcoming Japanese participation in the imminent meeting on Yemen to be held in Germany.

FM holds meeting with new Japanese ambassador

[06/March/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minster of Foreign Affairs Abu Bakr al-Qirbi held a meeting on Saturday with the new Japanese ambassador to Sana'a over aspects of the mutual cooperation between the two countries. Al-Qirbi highlighted good level of the Yemeni-Japanese bilateral relations, affirming that the ministry would offer all facilities for the new ambassador to do his mission in Yemen.

Japan supports education and health projects in Yemen

[03/March/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan has decided to extend a grant amounting to YR 20.39 million for a project of improving school education environment in Taiz province and another grant amounting to YR 20.19 million for a project of improving medical services for Habeel al-Jabr Hospital in Lahj province, southern Yemen. In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Japanese Embassy in Sana'a said that the first grant to the General Education Office in Taiz, Girls Education Department, was for funding school improvement plans to create better school learning environment for pupils and girls in particular, at 14 schools in 3 different districts of Taiz, including Taziya, Kahdir and Gabel Habashi. "The second grant was to Habeel al-Jabr Hospital in Lahj to purchase medical equipments to improve emergency, laboratory and diagnostic services in the hospital which will benefit 45,000 people living in remote and deprived areas of Radfan district", said the embassy. Japanese ambassador to Yemen Mr. Mitsunori Namba and Girls Education Manager at Taiz Education Office Ms. Afaf Makki, and the Manager of Habeel al-Jabr Hospital Mr. Abdul Raqeeb Sa'eed Mohriz signed on Wednesday the two contracts at the embassy. The two projects were under the scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects" which aims at supporting small-scale community-based projects in basic human needs fields, such as primary health care, basic education and drinking water supply in the developing countries. During this Japanese fiscal year (April 1, 2009 - March 31, 2010) the Government of Japan funded 16 projects so far including these two in Yemen, amounting to USD 1.28 million under the above mentioned Japanese scheme. In the last Japanese fiscal year, Japan funded 16 projects in Yemen under the same scheme with a total amount of more than USD 1.2 million.

Yemen signs grant agreement with JSDF at $2.7 mln

[02/March/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) signed on Tuesday an agreement whereby Japan will provide $2,738,000 to finance the project of reinforcing capacities of the poorest groups in Yemen. The agreement was signed by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Abdul-Karim al-Arhabi and Regional Director of JSDF David Craig to fund the activities which will be creating economic opportunities in local communities. Following the signing of the agreement, al-Arhabi praised the Japanese contributions to providing such an initiative designed to develop areas of cooperation between Yemen and Japan.

New Japanese ambassador presents credentials

[24/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Undersecretary of Foreign Minister Ali Muthana received here on Wednesday the credentials of the new Japanese ambassador to Yemen Mitsunori Namba. In the meeting, the two officials discussed mutual cooperation ties between the two countries and the means of enhancing them. Muthana welcomed the ambassador, affirming that he will get all the facilities to be able to carry out his diplomatic duties. For his part, the Japanese diplomat voiced keenness to develop the cooperation and partnership between Yemen and Japan.

Japan Gasoline Co., CCC Group willing to improve Aden refinery

[23/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - The Japan Gasoline Company and the Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC Group) affirmed willingness to invest in the sectors of oil and gas in Yemen as well as improving Aden Refinery in a joint project with Aden Refinery Company. This came during a meeting with Minister of Oil and Minerals Salim al-Aidarous representative delegations of the two companies. During the meeting, the minister briefed the delegations on the available investment opportunities in the fields of oil, gas and minerals. He reviewed a study summary prepared by one of the international companies to improve Aden Refinery to cope with developments in the international refinery companies and to increase the refinery's production. The minister affirmed concern of his ministry to provide all facilities for companies willing to invest in Yemen to ensure the common interest.

Japanese LNG wells to invest in Yemen

[22/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japanese LNG affirmed on Sunday its desire to invest in gas and oil areas in a number of open blocks in Yemen. That comes in a meeting gathered Minister of Oil and Minerals Amir al-Aydarus with Japanese LNG Director General Hitoshi Tanaka. The meeting previewed the promising investment opportunities in the oil and gas map in the country. The minister has welcomed the Japanese investment, asserting that they would receive all facilities and merits.

Japan affirms its support to Yemen in developmental, security areas

[22/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Director General of the Country Assistance to Middle East and Africa in the Japanese Foreign Ministry affirmed on Monday Japan's keenness to support Yemen to face the developmental and security challenges and to combat terrorism. This came during a meeting gathered here Deputy Prime Minister for Defense and Security Affairs Rahsad al-Alimi and the Japanese official. The Japanese official confirmed also his country's attention to develop horizons of the future relations with Yemen, especially with regard to supporting the coastguard forces. Al-Alimi praised the Japanese government's support that contributed to promoting the bilateral relations and strengthening the bilateral cooperation between the two friendly courtiers in the various developmental, economic and security areas.

Yemen, Japan discuss cooperation ties

[21/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Planning and International Cooperation Minister Abdul-Karim al-Arhabi met on Sunday with Director-General, Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr. Hideaki Ashizoka. During the meeting, al-Arhabi and Ashizoka discussed bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and means of boosting them. The two officials also discussed several issues relating to the common cooperation, especially in the fields of coastguards and maritime security. Al-Arhabi praised the level and aspects of cooperation between Yemen and Japan, confirming the Yemeni government's keenness to strengthen and develop common cooperation with Japan. For his part, the Japanese official said that his country has big concern about Yemen because of its strategic location dominating one of the most important international shipping line. He also confirmed the important of supporting Yemen's efforts in the fighting against piracy in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Al- Qirbi meets Japanese Foreign Ministry Official

[21/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Foreign Minister Abu Baker Abdullah al-Qirbi met on Sunday with Director-General, Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr. Hideaki Ashizoka. During the meeting, the two reviewed aspects of mutual cooperation between the two countries as well as Japan's aid to Yemen in areas such as Education, Healthcare and water management.

Yemen seals Japan deal for university labs

[20/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan signed on Saturday an agreement under which Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA will provide equipment to the Sana'a University's Central Labs. The equipment will include modern labs at a cost of $13 million. The deal was signed by Miniser of Higher Education and Scientific Research Saleh BaSurrah and JICA's representative in the country Takeshi Komori. The services provided by the labs will not only be limited to the students, other people will be able to use them for simple fees, BaSurrah said after the signing.

Japan supports deaf and dumb society in Mahweet

[17/February/2010]

MAHWEET (Saba) - Japan has provided two buses to the Care and Rehabilitation Society for Hearing and Speaking Impaired people in Mahweet province, western Yemen. In a press release, the Embassy of Japan in Sana'a said that Mr. Matahiro Yamaguchi, Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy, and Mr. Hmoud Shamlan, Deputy Governor, attended on Wednesday a ceremony of delivering the two-Bus grant to the deaf and dumb Society. The embassy noted that the two-Bus project is to improve transportation and vocational training activities of the Mahweet-based Society. "Japan extended a grant to the society in 2009, amounting to about USD 82,000, and with this grant the society purchased vocational training equipments, including 12 sawing machines and two 26-seated buses to commute the hearing and speaking impaired students to and from the Society, which offers basic education and easy access to vocational training for around 250 students, yet considerable number of them were unable to get access to services and social activities in Mahweet", the embassy highlighted. "The grant aims at developing the Society's activities and enable it reach those who have hearing and speaking disabilities in Mahweet's remote areas". Japanese Government's scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects" helps the disability and rehabilitation project over the last 10 years, hoping that these projects will contribute to the safer and better living standard for the inhabitants. In the last Japanese fiscal year (2008-2009), Japan has funded 16 projects in Yemen under the same scheme with a total amount of more than USD 1.2 million.

Yemen, JICA inspect BRIDGE program implementation in Taiz

[16/February/2010]

TAIZ (Saba) - Yemen and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) reviewed here on Tuesday the JICA's Broadening Regional Initiative for Developing Girls' Education (BRIDGE) program. General Secretary of Taiz Local Council Mohammed Ahmed al-Hajj along with Donors' Coordinator at JICA's Educational Administration and JICA's Project Formulation Adviser also reviewed the 59 schools in several districts of the governorate the BRIDGE program implemented in. The meeting discussed the situation of the new schools within the second stage of the program, which included 60 schools to be carried out by the province leadership. Al-Hajj praised the JICA's support and the achievements attained through implementing the BRIDGE program in the province and its successes in girl education. He also affirmed the obligation of the province to continue the provision of the needed facilities and to remove all difficulties impeding the program. For his part, JICA's coordinator said that BRIDGE program, implemented in Taiz province, is one of the most typical projects among those JICA implementing all over the world.

Japan grants two buses to Yemen Blind Society

[16/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan has extended a grant to a 2-buses project for Improving Bus Operation System of Yemen Society for Care and Rehabilitation for the Blind - Sana'a Head Office. In a press release, the Japanese Embassy in Sana'a has said that an inauguration and handing over ceremony for the project took place on Tuesday, at the presence of Mr. Matahiro Yamaguchi, Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Japan and Mr. Ali Saleh Abdullah - Deputy Minister of Social Affairs and Labour. The Japanese Government's scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects" helps the disability and rehabilitation projects as well as water projects over the last 10 years, hoping that these projects will contribute to the safer and better living standard for the inhabitants. In the last Japanese fiscal year (2008-2009), Japan has funded 16 projects in Yemen under the same scheme with a total amount of more than USD 1.2 million.

Saleh meets with outgoing Japanese envoy

[14/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - President Ali Abdullah Saleh met on Sunday in Sana'a with Japanese ambassador to Yemen Masakazu Toshikage on the occasion of the end of his term in Yemen. During the meeting, President Saleh praised Yemen-Japan ties, appreciating Japan's support to Yemen. President Saleh also presented the Japanese ambassador with the order of merit in recognition of his efforts to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Yemen and Japan. Toshikage thanked Saleh and appreciated the cooperation of the Yemeni leadership to facilitate his job in the country.

PM hails Japanese supports to development in Yemen

[08/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Prime Minister Ali Mujawar applauded here on Monday the Japanese attitudes supporting Yemen's development efforts. During his meeting with the out-going ambassador of Japan to Yemen Masakazu Toshikage, Mujawar hailed the distinct stance of Japan in the London meeting on Yemen held last January to prop up Yemen to face its development, economic and security challenges. The Prime Minister voiced his appreciation of the role the ambassador has played during carrying out his diplomatic mission in the country. The Japanese ambassador highlighted the distinctive Yemeni-Japanese friendship relations, expressing his confident that the Japanese businessmen role would be increased in the future.

JICA grants 36 vehicles' engines for vocational training institutes

[08/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided on Monday 36 vehicles' engines for technical education and vocational training institutes in Yemen. The grant's agreement was signed in Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation by Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training Ibrahim Omar Hajri and JICA Resident Representative in Yemen Takeshi Komori. It stipulated that the JICA would grant 36 vehicles' engines provided by Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) for the institutes in order to support technical education and vocational training sector in Yemen. The agreement is a beginning of other similar technical grants, which would be extended to Yemen under the Japanese support for the technical education and vocational training sector in the future, Deputy Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Hisham Sharaf said. He praised the JICA's contributions to the government's efforts to promote capacity building and potentials of specialized institutes in the technical education and vocational training field.

Al-Alimi meets Japanese ambassador

[08/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Deputy Prime Minister for Defense and Security Affairs, Minister of Local Administration Rashad al-Alimi met here on Monday with Japanese ambassador Masakazu Toshikage on the occasion of ending his diplomatic tenure in Yemen. During the meeting, they discussed a number of topics related to the economic aspects and bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The Deputy Prime Minister praised the efforts made by the ambassador that assist in strengthen the Yemeni-Japanese relations, praising the Japanese support to the various areas of development in Yemen. For his part, Japanese ambassador expressed his appreciation and thanks for the cooperation he has received during carrying out his duties in the country.

Shura Council Chairman meets out-going Japanese diplomat

[07/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Chairman of the Shura Council Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Ghani received here on Sunday the Japanese out-going ambassador Masakazu Toshikage for ending his tasks as an ambassador to Yemen. Abdul-Ghani expressed his satisfaction of the continuous development in the Yemeni-Japanese bilateral relations and their joint cooperation. He also hailed the role of the Japanese diplomat in developing the two countries mutual relations as well as the support aspects provided by Japan for the development process in Yemen. For his part, the ambassador expressed his appreciation of the support he has received during carrying out his duties in Yemen, hoping all progress for the Yemeni-Japanese relations. The two officials meeting also reviewed several issues and development concerning the two countries.

Japan supports construction of school in Dhamar

[07/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan has decided to extend a grass-root grant aid for the construction of al-Mogdad School in Al-Manar District, Dhamar Governorate. In a press release of the Japanese embassy in Sana'a, the grant is for construction of 2 floor-school buildings with six classrooms. The grant agreement was signed on Sunday by Mr. Masakazu Toshikage, the Ambassador of Japan to Yemen and Mr. Mohammed Mohammed Al-Materi, the District Education Director of Al-Manar. About 193 pupils from four villages will receive its benefit, and improve the education environment for students currently studying in 2 rented houses and outside of the buildings. The project was under the scheme of called "Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects" which aims at supporting small-scale community-based projects in basic human needs such as primary health care, basic education, and drinking water supply in the developing countries. During this Japanese fiscal year (April 1, 2009 - March 31, 2010) the Government of Japan funded 14 projects so far including this school project in Yemen, amounting to approximately 1.1 million USD under the above mentioned Japanese scheme. In the last Japanese fiscal year, Japan funded 16 projects in Yemen under the same scheme with a total amount of more than 1.2 million USD.

FM meets out-going Japanese ambassador

[06/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi met here on Saturday with the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Masakazu Toshikage on the occasion of ending his mission in Yemen. Al-Qirbi hailed the ambassador's efforts to serve the Yemeni-Japanese relations and to develop them. For his part, Toshikage expressed his appreciation of the cooperation he has got during carrying out his tasks in Yemen from the different governmental authorities in order to facilitate his duties as Japan's ambassador to Yemen.

Japanese Emperor sends President Saleh thank-you cable

[04/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - President Ali Abdullah Saleh received on Thursday a thank-you cable from the Japanese Emperor Akihito replying to congratulations on his birthday.

JICA's 2nd phase BRIDGE program launched

[03/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Education Abdul-Salam al-Jawfi inaugurated here on Wednesday the second phase of JICA's Broadening Regional Initiative for Developing Girls' Education (BRIDGE) program. During the inauguration, al-Jawfi affirmed the importance of benefiting from the BRIDGE in the field of educational cadres capacity building in the Ministry, hailing the JICA's efforts in carrying out the programs first phase in Taiz province and the second in Dhamar province. The Minister also emphasized taking the advantages of the first phase in order to avoid the negative aspects and difficulties in the second one. He also noted the significance of coordination and cooperation with the Local Council in the province for facilitating JICA's tasks to ensure the program success. For his part, the JICA Resident Representative in Yemen Office Takeshi Komori praised the existed cooperation between the Ministry and the Local Council with the JICA to help the project succeed with its two phases. The JICA official noted that the support which is provided by the Japanese government aims at developing community capacity building by encouraging the enrolment of girls in education. He also gave a brief explanation on the JICA's project, reviewing its main goals and components. At the session work, strategies related to the first and second components of the project "Public Education" and the strategy of the third component "Girls Education" were discussed.

Speaker holds farewell meeting for Japanese diplomat

[02/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Speaker of Parliament Yahya al-Rai'a held a farewell meeting for the Japanese ambassador on ending his mission in Yemen. In the meeting, the speaker highlighted role of the ambassador to enhance and serve relations between Yemen and Japan during his mission, affirming importance of extending friendly ties between the two nations. He also called on Japanese investors to benefit from the investment opportunities in Yemen, pointing out to the advantages granted by the Yemen's law of Investment. The speaker asked the diplomat to convey regards to the Japanese leadership, wishing further progress and prosperity for the Japanese people. For his part, the Japanese diplomat thanked the Yemeni political leadership represented by President Ali Abdullah Saleh, and the parliament and government of Yemen for facilities presented to him during his task in Yemen. He indicated to the good level of the Yemeni-Japanese relations.

Al-Jaofi opens five schools funded by Japan

[01/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Education Abdul Salam al-Jaofi along with the outgoing Japanese ambassador to Sana'a Masakazu Toshikage opened on Monday the second phase of schools project which is funded by the Japanese government. The second phase includes handing over five school of basic education in Sana'a city and Sana'a province, which were built at total cost of 687 million yen. Al-Jaofi highlighted deep routed relations between Yemen and Japan, valuing support of the Japanese government to the education in Yemen. The Japanese diplomat expressed happiness to finalize the second phase to hand over these schools, saying that the first and second phases were implemented at total cost of $15 million.

JICA support for girl education in Dhamar discussed

[01/February/2010]

DHAMAR (Saba) - A meeting was held on Monday in Dhamar province to enlighten officials about support presented by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency(JICA) to carry out a project of developing girl education in sixty schools in six districts of the province. Dhamar governor Yahya al-Emad reviewed promising results that would come out from this project, pointing out to the role of the ministry of education and local council in the province to bring this project into success. In the meeting deputy director of the education at the Ministry of Education Mohammed Khamash reviewed contents of the project and achievements of the project in Taiz province in developing girl education.

Al-Arhabi meets Japanese diplomat

[01/February/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Abdul Kareem al-Arhabi held on Monday a farewell meeting for Japanese ambassador to Sana'a Masakazu Toshikage on ending his mission in Yemen. In the meeting, al-Arhabi praised efforts exerted by the Japanese diplomat and his role to enhance ties and cooperation between Yemen and Japan during his mission in the country. He also valued contributions of the Japanese government to the development process in Yemen. They also discussed mutual cooperation between the two nations and means of serving common interests of both countries.

Information minister receives Japanese ambassador

[30/January/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Information Hasan al-Lawzi met with the Japanese ambassador to Sana'a Masakazu Toshikage on the occasion of ending his tenure in Yemen. During the meeting, they discussed media cooperation and means to reinforce this kind of cooperation as well as exchanging visits between the two countries journalists and media men. The ambassador praised the level of the Yemeni democracy and the continuous successes achieved in different fields, noting the media diversification in Yemen. He also hailed the success of the London meeting on Yemen for its positive results which will benefit Yemen development, security and stability. The ambassador affirmed concern of Japan to continue providing support for Yemen. The minister praised Toshikage's role in promoting cooperation between Yemen and Japan during his tenure, asserting that the relations between the two countries witnessed, during his service in Yemen, a remarkable progress in many areas.

Yemen, Japan talks on educational cooperation aspects

[30/January/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan held talks here on Saturday over aspects of educational cooperation between the two friendly countries. During his meeting with Japanese ambassador to Yemen Masakazu Toshikage, Minister of Education Abdul-Salam al-Jawfi reviewed the Ministry's efforts in improving the educational process and the programs for upgrading the education's outcomes. Al-Jawfi praised the Japanese diplomat's role during carrying out his tasks as an ambassador in the country in popping up the educational process according to the cooperation protocols between the two friendly countries.

FM undersecretary meets Lebanese, Japanese diplomats

[30/January/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry Mohi al-Din al-Dhabi met here on Saturday separately with the Lebanese ambassador to Yemen Hassan Abi Akar and the Japanese ambassador Masakazu Toshikage. The second meeting brought together al-Dhabi and Toshikage on the occasion of ending his mission as an ambassador to Yemen. Toshikage expressed his gladness for the vast development witnessed in the two countries' cooperation relations. For his part, al-Dhabi applauded the Japanese exerted efforts made by the Japanese diplomat in advancing the Yemeni-Japanese mutual relations.

Japan grants Yemen equipment for teaching Japanese language

[27/January/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - The Yemeni-Japanese Friendship Association received here Wednesday equipment for teaching Japanese language from the Japanese embassy in Yemen. This step comes within the program of the Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots Projects at a grant amounted at YR10 million. The equipment aim to support and implement the cultural projects as well as the higher education ones adopted by Japan government. It is worth to mention that the Yemeni-Japanese Friendship Association has organized educational courses in the Japanese language since 2002, in addition to organizing various cultural events. About 100 students joined the association in order to learn the Japanese language in seven levels.

Deputy FM sees off Japanese ambassador

[27/January/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Mothana met here on Wednesday with the out-going Japanese ambassador to Yemen Masakazu Toshikage on the occasion of ending his mission in Yemen. Mothana showed his appreciation to the Japanese diplomat's great efforts to promote the Yemeni-Japanese distinctive relations, hailing the Japanese political and economic support for Yemen. For his part, the ambassador expressed his appreciation of the government facilities to carry out his duties during his mission in the country. He also affirmed his country's support for the security and stability of Yemen, which in return would serve the region's stability.

Yemeni official meets Japanese diplomat

[27/January/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry for Arab, African and Asian Affairs Ali al-Ayashi met here on Wednesday with the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Masakazu Toshikage. The two officials talked about aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries and ways of enhancing them.

Yemen, JICA review 2009 last quarter technical education report

[26/January/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) reviewed here on Tuesday a report on the activities of the technical education system improvement project for October - December 2009. General Secretary of Sana'a Local Council Amin Jum'an and JICA advisor of technical education and vocational training system held talks on JICA's support for technical education development and its structural and administrative system in Yemen. They also talked about developing the curricula and training trainers as well as buying new equipment. Jum'an affirmed the importance of the Japanese support in technical and vocational education through JICA to improve technical education and vocational training system. For his part, the Japanese official noted to the JICA's readiness to finance the activities of the educational, technical and vocational institutions, highlighting the importance to activate bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Yemen discusses Japan support for WTO's accession

[20/January/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Industry and Trade Yahya al-Mutawakil held talks with the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Masakazu Toshikage, discussing the development of trade exchanging between the two friendly countries. They reviewed the Japanese support to Yemen to complete negotiations on accession to the the World Trade Organization (WTO). Al-Mutawakil expressed his hope to hold talks between Yemen and Japan on the sideline of the seventh round of Yemen negotiations to accession to the WTO to be held next week in Geneva for completing the requirements of signing the bilateral agreement between the two countries. He noted to the economic support offered by Japan to Yemen, looking forward to increase this support. For his part, the Japanese ambassador confirmed that he would exert all efforts to bring together the views between his country and Yemen in the bilateral negotiations and with regard to the Japan's support to Yemen accession to the WTO. He also affirmed his country's keenness to continue to support the development efforts in Yemen.

Dowaid praises Japan's support to Yemen in various fields

[17/January/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Sana'a Governor Nu'aman Dowaid praised on Sunday the support of the Japanese government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to Yemen in the various fields. This came during this meeting with the members of Project for Community Nutrition and Health for Mother and Child from both sides of Yemen and Japan. Dowaid called for spreading the health culture amid all people in the urban and rural areas, pointing that the health culture needs intensive and continuing training courses to achieve the desired objective. He urged the Yemeni members to partake effectually in the project and unify their efforts to provide the necessary potentials to succeed the project, indicating that the mother would be a skilled volunteer when she learns and plays her role in society. During the meeting, the participants reviewed the objectives of the project, which will last for four years from September 2009 to August 2013 and being implemented within the cooperation between the Yemeni Ministry of Public Health and Population and JICA. The project aims to providing heath and nutrition services in the local societies and targets the children under 5 and their mothers, who live in some rural areas in provinces of Sana'a, Hadramout and Ibb.

Yemen, JICA discuss education cooperation

[12/January/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Education Abdul Salam al-Jaofi held talks on Tuesday with the delegation of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) who is currently visiting Yemen. The talks focused on arrangements for starting the second phase of the local initiative to develop girl education at amount of $4 million. The phase aims at narrowing the gap between male and female education and improving quality of the education. It also targets 40 schools in Dhamra province for period from 2009 to 2013. Last year, Yemen and JICA signed the agreement of carrying out the phase. The 2005-2008 first phase targeted schools in Taiz province at sum of $3.5 million.

Yemeni, Japanese security cooperation discussed

[04/January/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Interior Mutahar al-Masri held talks on Monday with the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Masakazu Toshikage on bilateral cooperation in the security field. During the meeting, al-Masri appreciated the efforts of Japanese government in supporting the development process in Yemen, hailing the security cooperation between the two countries in the term of fighting terrorism. He emphasized that terrorism is an international worry and the international Community should work shoulder to shoulder to eradicate it. Al-Masri highlighted the Yemeni achievements in fighting terrorism in governorates of Abyan, Shabwa, Sana'a, asserting that tracking al-Qaeda members will not stop. For his part, the Japanese diplomat applauded the success of security bodies operations against al-Qaeda, valuing the Yemeni efforts in fighting the terrorism and organized crime. He confirmed his country's readiness to offer all support to develop the Yemeni security bodies, particularity in coastguard sector.

Japanese football team arrives in Sana'a

[03/January/2010]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japanese Football national team arrived in Sana'a to play a 2011 Asian Cup qualifier as scheduled in Sana'a next Wednesday. There were media reports doubted about arrival of the Japanese team to Yemen because security reasons. The Japan is presently in first place with nine points. Japan and Yemen are in the group (A), which includes Bahrain and Hong Kong.