Japan will provide all support to Yemen until crisis addressed: Hayashi

[22/December/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan will continue to provide all political and economic support to Yemen until overcoming the current crisis, Japanese ambassador to Yemen said Monday. Japan looks forward to enhance its relations with Yemen and will stand by Yemen to preserve its unity, security and stability, Katsuyoshi Hayashi said during his meeting with Minister of State for the Implementation of National Dialogue Outcomes Ghaleb Mutlaq. The Minister affirmed the government's determination to implement its part of obligations either in the outcomes of the national dialogue conference or the GCC initiative or the Peace and National Partnership Agreement (PNPA). Mutlaq urged the donor countries to intensify efforts to help the government in the coming stage. The Minister briefed the Japanese diplomat on the challenges the government faces to normalize security and economic situation, saying that they will be tackled when the in the PNPA is implemented. Developments of the ongoing political transition in the country and issues that Japan's aid will target were touched upon in the meeting.

Yemen, Japan discuss counterterrorism areas

[22/December/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Interior Minister Jalal al-Rowaishan has discussed with Japanese Ambassador to Yemen Katsuyoshi Hayashi sides of cooperation relations in security and counterterrorism areas. The minister praised the Japanese support offered to Yemen in various fields, especially at the security level, affirming keenness of Yemen to promote its relations with Japan. The Japanese diplomat noted to the Yemeni-Japanese deep-rooted relations, and asserted his country's government would continue its developmental support for Yemen in the different areas including the security one.

President congratulates Japanese Emperor

[21/December/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi sent on Sunday a cable of congratulations to Emperor Akihito of Japan on the occasion of the Japanese celebrations on Emperor's Birthday.

Yemen discusses security cooperation with UK, Japan

[21/December/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Interior Minister Jalal al-Rowaishan discussed in separate meetings on Sunday with ambassadors of Britain and Japan to Yemen the security cooperation between Yemen and each country of them. The meetings focused on the bilateral cooperation in the counter-terrorism and criminal evidence areas. The Minister highly valued the support provided by United Kingdom and Japan to Yemen in the different fields and the security field in particular. He confirmed the Yemeni government's keenness on developing the bilateral cooperation with both countries and benefiting from their expertise in the security areas. The ambassadors reiterated their countries' support for Yemen in various fields, including the security field.

JICA organizes workshop on Japanese aid implementation

[08/December/2014]

TOKYO (Saba) - Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) organized in Japan's capital Tokoyo on Monday a workshop on the effectual implementation of Japanese official aid to Yemen. The workshop will discuss over 12 days, with participation of ten government officials, the Japanese aid for the development in Yemen and the developmental challenges facing the country. The workshop further includes field visits to a number of the government facilities and private agencies of Japan to get acquainted with the Japanese experience in the various developmental areas. The workshop aims to improve the capacity-building of human resources in Yemen to absorb the Japanese assistance in the developmental field. JICA trained about 228 trainees during 2013 in Japan, Jordan, Egypt and Tunisia in the field of water, health, electricity, vocational training, fishing, maritime security, electoral system, agriculture and irrigation and others fields set by Yemen's priority aimed to improve Yemeni cadres capacity-building to face various developmental issues.

Japan to continue to support roads stalled projects in Yemen

[07/December/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan is committed to continue to its support for the public work and road projects suspended due to the 2011 events, the Japanese ambassador to Yemen said Sunday. During his meeting with Minister of Public Works and Roads Wahi Taha Aman, Katsuyoshi Hayashi affirmed that Japan's adherence to provide all assistance to the Ministry to make the required plans and joint programs to the Japanese-funded projects. During the meeting, Aman and Hayashi reviewed the development of the central workshop of the General Corporation for Roads and Bridges (GCRB) in the Ministry and measures to complete the 2nd phase of workshop rehabilitation funded by Japan. For his part, the Minister confirmed the ministry's keenness to activate the programs and activities funded by Japan to improve the public works and roads sector in the country.

Japan, Saudi Arabia keen to continue their support for Yemen

[25/November/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - The ambassador of Japan and Saudi Arabia to Yemen confirmed on Tuesday their countries' keenness to continue supporting Yemen to overcome the current challenges and enhance the stability. Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Dr. Mohamed al-Maitami reviewed with the two ambassadors, in separate meetings, the existing cooperation aspects between Yemen and each country of them. The minister hailed the contributions of both Japan and Saudi Arabia to supporting the paths of the development and stability in Yemen.

Yemen, Japan discuss health cooperation

[24/November/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Public Health and Population Riyadh Yaseen discussed here on Monday with Japanese ambassador to Yemen Katsuyoshi Hayashi the mutual cooperation in health field. During the meeting, they reviewed the current health situation in Yemen and the possible means of Japan to support health sector, especially in the rehabilitation of some health facilities and institutions. The Minister valued highly the health support Japan has provided and still does to Yemen.

Japan's support for education sector in Yemen discussed

[23/November/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Education Minister Dr. Haidar Abdullatif discussed on Sunday with Japan's ambassador to Yemen Katsuyoshi Hayashi the cooperation aspects in the education field. The meeting dealt with mechanisms to ensure the resumption of Japanese support to the education sector projects in Yemen, which have been stalled since 2011. The minister pointed to the importance of activating the Japan-funded programs to support the Ministry's efforts to promote the educational process. For his part, the Japanese ambassador confirmed his country's support to the education sector in Yemen through developing joint plans to continue the work in the projects and programs supporting the educational process.

Saudi Arabia, Japan welcome new Yemeni gov't

[10/November/2014]

RIYADH, TOKYO (Saba) - Saudi Arabia and Japan welcomed on Monday the formation of the new Yemeni government headed by Prime Minister Khaled Bahah. In a statement to Saudi Press Agency, Minister of Hajj and Minister of Culture and Information-designate, Dr. Bandar bin Mohammed Hajjar, said that the Saudi Cabinet welcomed, in its meeting on Monday, the announcement of the new Yemeni government formation. Hajjar pointed out that the Cabinet considered that a positive and important step towards achieving the security and stability for the Yemeni people. In the same context, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan welcomed, in a statement issued on Monday, the formation of the new cabinet in Yemen. The ministry urged all Yemeni political groups to work together constructively with President Abd Rabbo Hadi and the new cabinet for securing peace and stability and social economic development in Yemen in line with the Peace and National Partnership Agreement signed by all the political groups on 21 September. It confirmed that Japan would continue to support Yemeni people's efforts to achieve peace and stability in Yemen.

WFP values Japanese aid for school feeding in Yemen

[10/November/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on Monday valued highly the Japanese donation of US$5.3 million to support on-site school feeding up to the end of the current school year. The donation was confirmed at a signing ceremony in Rome on 7 November. "This is a new activity for WFP Yemen, which we have been able to launch entirely as a result of Japan's support," said WFP Yemen Deputy Country Director and Officer-in-Charge Rukia Yacoub. "With this latest donation, we can continue to provide snacks to children attending school right through the year." "I believe this food aid will contribute directly to the alleviation of the impacts of food shortages as well as the improvement of people's nutritional status in this country," said Japanese ambassador to Yemen Katsuyoshi Hayashi. Under this operation, WFP will provide a daily snack, consisting of a nutritious date bar, to some 295,000 primary and secondary schoolchildren regularly attending school, to encourage attendance and help them to concentrate during lessons.

Japan is the third largest donor to WFP Yemen - in 2013, Japan contributed more than US$30 million. "We are extremely grateful for this generous and consistent support, especially at this time when so many emergencies around the world are competing for limited funding," Yacoub said. School feeding in Yemen is being carried out under WFP's current two-year Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation, which aims to provide assistance to some 6 million Yemenis, through activities such as relief food assistance, food and cash for work, school feeding, and nutritional support for women and young children. The operation is supporting a gradual shift from relief assistance to resilience-building and livelihood support, with a view to lifting the most vulnerable Yemeni populations out of food insecurity and poverty and providing them with the means to create a sustainable future.

Yemen, Japan discuss cooperation relations

[04/November/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Deputy Foreign Minister Amir al-Aidaroos discussed here on Tuesday with Japanese ambassador to Yemen Katsuyoshi Hayashi the bilateral cooperation relations. At the meeting, Hayashi notified al-Aidaroos that the Japanese government has decided to provide an urgent grant of $5 million to Yemen through World Food Programme (WFP). Meanwhile, al-Aidaroos expressed Yemen's appreciation of the Japanese continuous support, especially in the critical circumstances Yemen is experiencing currently.

Japan grants $5 mln food aid to Yemen

[03/November/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan grants Yemen over $5 million through the World Food Programme (WFP), Japanese ambassador to Yemen Katsuyoshi Hayashi said on Monday. During his meeting with Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Mohammed al-Saadi, Hayashi expected that the grant's memorandum would be signed by the Japanese ambassador to Italy and the WFP executive director in the Italian capital, Roma, on November 7. He renewed the Japanese government's adherence to continue to offer all support to Yemen to promote stability in Yemen. For his part, al-Saadi hailed the Japanese government's aid to enhance stability and development paths in Yemen, praising the abiding commitment showed by the Japanese government to finance various development projects in Yemen.

Japan extends grant for training vulnerable people in Sana'a

[29/October/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - The Government of Japan decided to extend a grant of $100,689 to provide equipment for the Vocational Training Center for Vulnerable People in the capital Sana'a. The grant agreement was signed at the Embassy of Japan in Sana'a by Japan's ambassador, Katsuyoshi Hayashi, and Director General of the Yemen Music and Arts House, Fuad Ali Al-Shargabi. The Japanese embassy said in a press release that this grant is provided under the Japanese scheme called "Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects", which aims at supporting small scale community-based projects in the areas of basic human needs. The grant aims at training and qualifying the vulnerable people in Sana'a, enabling them to build their own capabilities and merge into the labor market to contribute to the social development process, the embassy added. According to the embassy, Japan has provided 131 grants during the past 10 years to the different Non-Government Organizations and local authorities in Yemen under the Japanese scheme in the areas of basic human needs such as water, environment, health care and education. Japan has also extended about USD 120 Million to Yemen during the period 2012-2014, mostly for humanitarian assistances, out of which USD 6 million was allocated to support the Yemeni political transition.

Acting Aden governor meets Japan's ambassador, UNDP's director

[19/October/2014]

ADEN (Saba) - Acting Governor of Aden Abdul Karim Shaif met on Sunday with the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Katsu Yoshie Hayashi and UNDP's Country Director in Yemen Mikiko Tanaka. In the meeting, they discussed topics relating to the implementation of a number of the developmental projects in province, including the learning environment improvement project. Shaif expressed his appreciation for the support presented by the Japanese government to Aden province, affirming the local authority's keenness to provide all facilities for the implementation of the projects that serve the development aspects in the province. For his part, the Japan's ambassador confirmed his country's readiness to continue to support the province in the various areas.

Japan strongly condemns recent attacks in Yemen

[15/October/2014]

TOKYO (Saba) - Japan expressed on Wednesday deep concern and strong condemnation of the terrorist attacks taken place in Sana'a and Hadramout last week. At least 66 people were killed on October 9 in a suicide bombing in the capital Sana'a and a car bomb attack on an army checkpoint in eastern Hadramout governorate. "Japan expresses its absolute condemnation of these terrorist acts, and offers sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured," the Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesman said in a statement posted on the Ministry's website. He underlined that there is absolutely no justification for any act of terrorism. The Japanese Foreign Ministry called on all parties in Yemen to progress the transition process, and work as a team for the implementation of previous agreements signed by them in order to overcome the current difficulties.

Japan grants $1 mln to support Yemen's constitution-making process

[21/September/2014]

TOKYO (Saba) - The Japanese Government has decided to extend emergency grant aid of $1 million to Yemen through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which administers the Yemen National Dialogue and Constitutional Reform Trust Fund (YNDCRTF). The grant will appropriate for supporting the constitution-making process towards promotion of national reconciliation and stabilization of political situation in Yemen, according to a press release. "Political crisis in Yemen has been aggravated recently. There is a growing risk that the destabilizing situation will adversely affect the transitional process including constitutional referendum and forthcoming elections." In order to stabilize the political situation in Yemen, Japan has supported the transitional process through supporting electoral preparation and the National Dialogue Conference in Yemen, the Japanese Government said. "In particular, the grant aid will be allocated to public education as well as hearing public comment in advance of the constitutional referendum." Japan expected progress of the political transitional process in a fair and smooth manner and realization of Yemen's stability as early as possible. Since 2012, Japan's grant aid for humanitarian needs and political transitional process in Yemen reaches $119 million in total.

PM meets Japanese ambassador

[07/September/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Prime Minister Mohammed Salem Basindwa met on Sunday with Japan's ambassador to Yemen Katsuyoshi Hayashi. In the meeting, they discussed the bilateral cooperation relations between the two friendly countries in different areas and ways of boosting them to serve the mutual interests of the two countries. The meeting touched on the developments of the situation at the national arena, as well as the aspects of the Japanese support to Yemen to promote the development process. In this regard, the prime minister expressed his appreciation and thanks to Japan's government and people for their support to Yemen in the different circumstances, wishing the friendly Japanese people permanent prosperity. For his part, the Japanese ambassador affirmed his country's support for Yemen and its keenness to support all efforts to achieve what is good for the Yemeni people.

Yemen, Japan discuss scientific cooperation

[06/September/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan discussed here on Saturday means to activate the scientific cooperation agreements between the two countries, particularly twinning agreements between the Yemeni universities and Japanese counterparts. During their meeting, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Hisham Sharaf and Japanese Deputy Ambassador to Yemen Katsumi Moriyasu also discussed the possibility to increase the competitive scholarships offered by Japan to Yemeni students. Sharaf valued highly the support and aid Japan has provided to Yemen in various historical stages, expressing Yemen's keenness to develop cooperation relations with Japan in various fields in general and in higher education and scientific research in particular. For his part, Mr. Moriyasu voiced Japan's adherence to provide all help and assistance in all areas to Yemen and expand horizons of mutual cooperation.

Deputy FM meets Japanese ambassador

[01/September/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Deputy Foreign Minister Amir Salem al-Aidarous on Monday met with the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Katsuyoshi Hayashi. In the meeting, al-Aidarous received a copy of the Japanese government's statement on the situation in Yemen. The meeting dealt with the mechanism used to discuss the expansion of the membership United Nations Security Council to become a true representative of the member states at the United Nations so as to ensure equitable representation, especially since the existing mechanism does not keep up with the variables that took place in the stages after approving the UN Charter. Al-Aidarous confirmed the importance of implementing those proposed reforms and that Yemen sees the need to reform the UN as a whole and not just the Security Council. He praised the depth of relations between the two counties, expressing his appreciation for Japan's support to Yemen in all fields.

Japan expresses concern on growing tension in Yemen

[30/August/2014]

TOKYO (Saba) - Japan expressed on Saturday its great concern about the growing tension in the light of recent developments threatening stability in Yemen. In a statement issued by the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Japan urged all Yemeni parties to give the Yemeni people's interests a first priority, and to work together to complete the implementation of the national dialogue's outcomes without resorting to threat of use of force. It stressed that its efficient support will continue to the efforts of the Yemeni people to build a new Yemen through dialogue and under the leadership of President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Japan also expressed support for the presidential statement issued by the UN Security Council on Friday on the situation in Yemen, which voiced grave concern about the recent deterioration of the security situation in Yemen. The Security Council condemned the Houthis' actions, including their escalating campaign to bring down the Government and undermine the country's political transition. It called on Houthis to withdraw their forces from Amran province, cease all armed hostilities in Jawf province and remove the camps and dismantle the checkpoints they have erected in and around capital Sana'a.

Yemen seeks Japan's support to generate electricity by renewable energy

[25/August/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Electricity Abdullah al-Akwa met here on Monday with a delegation of Foreign Ministry of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is currently visiting Yemen. The meeting dealt with the reality of the electrical system in Yemen and the development priorities in this sector during the current stage in order to promote the generating capacity of the power plants and the establishment of new generating stations with different alternatives by using renewable energy like solar and wind energy. The two sides discussed the support that could be provided by Japan for Yemen to develop the electricity sector, especially during the current stage, which is witnessing a large deficit in the generated electric power. In this regard, al-Akwa commended the Japanese government's support to Yemen in the different fields, particularly in the current stage. He expressed the hope that Japan would effectively support the new power generation plants in Yemen. The members of the Japanese delegation confirmed that their country is keen to continue to support the development process in Yemen, especially in the electricity field. They praised the qualitative leap achieved by Yemen at the level of peaceful transition of power and the success of the national dialogue and the national forces consensus in Yemen.

Yemen, Japan review future aid trends

[24/August/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan reviewed here on Sunday the Japanese current and future aid trends to Yemen. During their meeting, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Mohammed al-Saadi reviewed with the Deputy Director of the Middle East Department at the Japanese Foreign Ministry and chief representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Egypt and Yemen Office Hideki Matsunaga the mutual cooperation relations and the implementation progress of a number of Japanese-funded projects in Yemen. The Minister hailed the Japanese government's adherence to support the stability and development baths in Yemen, stressing Yemen's keenness to develop cooperation relations with Japan. The official in the Japanese Foreign Ministry renewed their government's commitment to continue to provide all available support to boost Yemen's development.

Japan condemns murder of 14 soldiers in Hadramout

[14/August/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Commander of the Special Security Forces Maj. Gen Fadl al-Qawsi met on Thursday with the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Katsuyoshi Hayashi. At the meeting, Japan's ambassador expressed his country's condemnation of the heinous terrorist act which claimed lives of 14 Yemeni soldiers in Hadramout province last weekend. The ambassador praised the successes achieved by the Yemeni security services in the fight against terrorism, affirming that his country is keen to continue to support Yemen in the different areas, including the security area. For his part, al-Qawsi hailed the Japanese government's support to the development process in Yemen, especially in the security area. The meeting also touched on the security cooperation between Yemen and Japan and the support that Japan can provide for the Security forces to strengthen its role in combating terrorism.

JICA, Rehabilitation and Reform Dept. discuss cooperation

[13/August/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Undersecretary of Rehabilitation and Reform Department Brigadier Nasser al-Yazidi discussed on Wednesday with Japan's deputy ambassador and Japanese Agency for International Cooperation (JICA)'s officials the cooperation aspects. In the meeting, al-Yazidi praised the Japanese government's support to a number of the developmental areas in Yemen, valuing the support provided by the Japanese embassy and JICA to the Department in field of rehabilitation and training programs. The deputy ambassador of Japan confirmed the continuation of his country's support to Yemen, referring to the projects being implemented by JICA in Yemen in the areas of education, health and technical training. He pointed out, in this regard, that the Agency amde an invitation to nominate a number of the staff of the Rehabilitation and Reform Department to participate in a training course in the criminal justice field.

Yemen, Japan discuss cooperation in technical education

[11/August/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Technical Education and Vocational Training Abdul-Hafidh Numan discussed on Monday with Japanese ambassador to Yemen Katsuyoshi Hayashi activation of agreements in the technical education and vocational training field. The meeting touched on aspects of support that can be offered by the Japanese side to Yemen in the field of technical and vocational education. The two sides dealt with the possibility of the resumption of Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA)'s projects in Yemen in the technical education field, as well as the possibility of supplying the Maritime Institute in Aden with an integrated training ship and fishing boats according to an agreements signed between the two countries. They also discussed the possibility of the Japanese side's support for the development of disciplines in the use and maintenance of solar energy in the technical and vocational institutes as well as some handcraft disciplines. The Japanese ambassador confirmed his country's keenness on supporting and strengthening the areas of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, especially in the technical education. He pointed that he has contacted with his country's government in order to prepare a draft for resuming and activating bilateral cooperation programs between the two countries, especially in the field of mobile workshops and some projects relating to the technical and vocational education.

Education Minister meets Japanese political attaché

[05/August/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Education Minister Abdul-Razzaq al-Ashwal met here on Tuesday with Japanese embassy political attaché in Yemen. During the meeting, they discussed the bilateral cooperation relations in education sector and the Japanese aid to develop educational process in Yemen, including the Japanese grant project to build primary schools and encourage girls' enrolment to school. The Japanese diplomat handed over to the Minister an invitation from his Japanese counterpart to attend the education conference organized by Japanese government in cooperation with UNESCO.

Head of SNACC meets Japanese diplomat

[02/July/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Head of the Supreme National Authority for Combating Corruption (SNACC) Afrah Badwylan met on Wednesday with Japanese Deputy Ambassador to Yemen. They discussed the cooperation aspects between the two countries in the field of combating corruption. At the meeting, Badwylan received an invitation from the Japanese side to take part in a meeting for exchanging expertise in combating corruption, which is hosted by the Japanese capital Tokyo during October and November with the participation of 24 countries. Badwylan pointed to the SNACC's efforts to combat corruption and the legal obstacles facing its work, affirming the importance of overcoming those obstacles to implement the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference (NDC). For his part, the Japanese diplomat reviewed the Japanese experience in the field of combating corruption and enhancing the values of integrity and good governance.

Yemen, Japan discuss cooperation in agricultural production

[29/June/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Farid Mujawar discussed here on Sunday with Japanese Ambassador to Yemen Katsuyoshi Hayashi sides of cooperation in field of agricultural production. The meeting reviewed possibilities to support the ministry's activities and trends in agriculture area in the coming phase, as well as ways to develop the two countries' bilateral relations. Mujawar pointed out that he ministry is implementing a program of distributing about 50 solar-powered water pump to farmers in the coastal provinces, noting to the importance of the project in improving the agricultural productivity. For his part, the Japanese envoy noted to the significance of carrying out such projects which would serve the agricultural development in Yemen and improve the living conditions of farmers, affirming his readiness to provide support and funding such projects in the coming phase.

Yemen, Japan discuss bilateral cooperation

[25/June/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Foreign Minister Jamal al-Salal discussed on Wednesday with Japan's ambassador to Yemen Katsuyoshi Hayashi the bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The meeting touched on the progress in the underway political process in Yemen and the importance of the brotherly and friendly countries' support to Yemen politically and economically in this stage. Al-Salal highly valued the Japanese government's support to Yemen in the humanitarian and developmental areas.

Yemen and Japan electricity cooperation

[21/June/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Electricity and Energy Abdullah al-Akwa met here on Monday with Japanese ambassador to Yemen Katsuyoshi Hayashi. During the meeting, they discussed areas of cooperation between the two countries and the possibility of benefiting from the Japanese government's support to Yemen in the electricity field. Al-Akwa and Hayashi also discussed the possibility of Yemen to benefit from the Japanese experience in generating electricity through solar energy. The Japanese ambassador expressed his country's readiness to continue to support Yemen's development efforts, especially in the field of electricity.

JICA, Yemen sign new training program in Jordan

[05/June/2014]

AMMAN (Saba) - Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and Japanese Agency for International Cooperation (JICA) singed on Thursday in the Jordanian capital Amman a new training program on modern irrigation systems. A statement, issued by JICA and Saba got a copy of it, pointed out that the new training program consists of six specialized training courses, which will be implemented by a grant provided by the Japanese government to Yemen through JICA during the Japanese fiscal year 2014 in collaboration with the College of Agriculture and Agricultural Research Station of the University of Jordan, within the framework of the Technical Cooperation Program of JICA for training in a third country. The program aims to train Yemeni staff on the modern irrigation systems to improve the effectiveness of modern irrigation in order to reduce the depletion of groundwater in Yemen.

It is noteworthy that JICA has trained 229 trainees during the Japanese fiscal year 2013 in Japan, Jordan, Egypt and Tunisia in the areas of water, health, electricity, vocational training, fishing, maritime security, the electoral system, agriculture and irrigation, export and other priority areas in Yemen with the aim of improving the capacity of Yemeni cadres in facing the various development issues.

President Hadi receives congratulations from Emperor of Japan

[22/May/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi received on Wednesday a cable of congratulations from Emperor Akihito of Japan on the occasion of the 24th anniversary of the National Day, May 22.

Yemen, Japan discuss maritime navigation cooperation

[14/May/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Undersecretary of the Transport Ministry for seaports affairs Ali al-Sabhi met here on Wednesday with Japanese ambassador to Yemen Katsuyoshi Hayashi. At the meeting, al-Sabhi and Hayashi discussed the cooperation relations between the two countries in areas of maritime navigation and information exchange. They also reviewed aspects of support and expertise Japan could provide to Yemen in this regard.

Japan, UNHCR distribute garments to IDPs

[23/April/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - The Japanese Embassy to Yemen and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Wednesday distributed more than 200,000 clothes to about 63,000 internally displaced persons in districts of Haja, Amran, Aden and Sana'a governorates. In the distribution ceremony, the Japanese Ambassador to Yemen Katsuyoshi Hayashi said that these garments are a symbol of friendship between the Yemeni and Japanese peoples. For his part, the UNHCR resident representative Johannes Van Der Klaauw stressed that the support provided by Japan will alleviate suffers of Yemen's IDPs, pointing out that UNHCR provided assistance to about 200,000 IDPs who have recently come back to their homes in Abyan. He also said that UNHCR provides aids to more than 240,000 refugees who came from the African Horn, Iraq and Syria to Yemen.

FM receives letter from Japanese Deputy FM

[22/April/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan expressed on Tuesday willingness to take part in one of the teams of the 7th meeting of Friends of Yemen group scheduled for April 29 in London. The Japanese desire was conveyed in a letter from the Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister to Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi handed over by Japanese ambassador to Yemen Katsu Yoshie Hayashi. During the meeting, al-Qirbi and Hayashi reviewed the ongoing arrangements for the group's meeting and the proposals to activate its mechanisms of actions. The Minister hailed the role has been played for decades by Japan in support of Yemen's development, stressing that Japan would have an active role to play within the group teams' works.

Priorities of Human Rights in Yemen reviewed

[17/April/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Minister of Human Rights Houriah Mashhour met on Thursday with the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Katsu Yoshie Hayashi. The two sides reviewed the Human Rights Ministry's priorities in enforcing the conclusions of the national dialogue conference (NDC), especially those concerning the rights of women, youth, marginalized and disabled groups and refugees. Mashhour referred to the institutional structure support for the ministry's office in Aden through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), as well as the humanitarian and developmental support in general that is provided by Japan to Yemen.

Japan, US gift Yemen's TV channel new equipment

[16/April/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan and the United States gifted on Wednesday the Yemeni TV channel some TV technical equipment for external coverage. During the handout ceremonies, Information Minister Ali al-Amrani expressed appreciation of the US and Japanese gift, pointing that the equipment would make a quantum leap in the channel's works. Japanese ambassador Katsu Yoshie Hayashi and US embassy charge d'affaires Karen Sasahara also delivered speeches, in which they expressed readiness to provide more support for media field to improve the its performance. They stressed their countries' willingness to stand by Yemen to ensure the implementation of the national dialogue outcomes and the success of the transition stage.

FM meets ambassadors of China, Japan, Turkey

[08/April/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Foreign Minister Abu Baker al-Qirbi met here on Tuesday ambassadors of China Zhang Hua, Japan Katsuyoshi Hayashi and Turkey Fazli Corman separately. During the meetings, al-Qirbi reviewed with the ambassadors cooperation relations between Yemen and their countries, and how to develop them.

Japan supports UNICEF's programmes in Yemen

[21/March/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - The Government of Japan has announced significant new funding to support UNICEF's programmes for women and children in Yemen. In a press release UNICEF Yemen office, this is the third year that the Government of Japan has contributed to UNICEF's humanitarian efforts in support of children and women affected by the ongoing conflicts across the country. "Japan's new assistance could not be more timely," said UNICEF Yemen Representative Mr Julien Harneis. "UNICEF will be able to scale up its response in the areas of nutrition, health, water, sanitation and hygiene promotion, as well as education and child protection."

The situation in Yemen remains precarious with an estimated 58 per cent of the population - or approximately 14.7 million people - undergoing a humanitarian crisis and needing assistance in 2014. "Despite recent gains made on the political front, Yemen continues to be beleaguered by a struggling economy, underdevelopment; challenging political transition and volatile security," Mr Harneis added. "The most vulnerable population - and this includes children - remains cut off from help in insecure areas in the country."

Inadequate primary health care services have left an estimated 7,500 children infected with vaccine preventable diseases. Thousands of children are malnourished, and their plight is worsened by the poor sanitation conditions and lack of access to safe water across the country. More than 250,000 children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), heightening their risk of dying from complications if not treated. The risk of outbreaks resulting from water borne diseases remains high. "The Government of Japan has been focusing on alleviation of suffering of women and children in Yemen. We hope this new contribution will help UNICEF and the Yemeni Government better prepare the environment for people in need," said Ambassador of Japan Mr Katsuyoshi Hayashi.

Yemen, Japan discuss security cooperation

[12/March/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Undersecretary Assistant of the Interior Ministry for Criminal Security Mohammed al-Ghadra met here on Wednesday with deputy head of the Mission at the Japanese embassy in Sana'a Katsumi Moriyasu. At the meeting, al-Ghadra and Moriyasu reviewed ways of strengthening cooperation relations between Yemen and Japan in the security and police areas. Al-Ghadra praised the support provided by Japan to Yemen in various stages, stressing the Interior Ministry's adherence to provide security facilities that will enable the Japanese diplomatic mission in Yemen to play their role in enhancing the bilateral relations.

Japan donates US$10 million in aid to Yemen

[10/March/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has expressed its gratitude to the Government of Japan for its latest donation of US$10 million, which will be used to provide food assistance to internally displaced people (IDPs) and food-insecure host communities, as well as supporting girls' education in conflict-affected areas of Yemen. "Once again, I would like to express my deep appreciation for the consistent and generous support from Japan," said WFP Yemen Country Director Bishow Parajuli. "This latest contribution comes on top of the US$29 million we received from Japan during 2013."

The donation to WFP is part of an overall US$30 million Japanese contribution to the UN Humanitarian Response Plan for Yemen, valued at US$592 million for 2014. Of this, 40 percent is required to address the needs of food security and agriculture. Some US$8.6 million of Japan's donation will be used to provide food assistance to vulnerable communities in areas of displacement over the next four months, while the remaining US$1.4 million will assist girls attending school in the same areas with take-home rations under WFP's new two-year plan in Yemen that begins in July. This new WFP plan will support a gradual shift from relief assistance to promoting recovery and building resilience and livelihoods among vulnerable and food-insecure people in the country. WFP's operation in Yemen, which aims to provide assistance to some 6 million people, covers a range of interventions including food and cash distributions, food or cash for work and assets, treatment and prevention of acute and chronic malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, and meals and take-home rations for children regularly attending school. Parajuli said funding is key to the success of the operation. Between July and the end of 2014, WFP will need to raise US$133 million. "WFP is counting on the continuing support from traditional donors like Japan, but also appeals for new donors to join them, giving particular emphasis to raising support from the Gulf Cooperation Council and other countries in the Arab world," Parajuli said.

Yemen, Japan review higher education relations

[18/February/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Yemen and Japan reviewed here on Tuesday possible means to enhance the bilateral cooperation relations in the higher education and scientific research fields. Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Hisham Sharaf discussed with Charge d'affaires of the Japanese embassy in Sana'a Katsumi Moraiso activating the scientific cooperation agreements and the twinning between Yemeni universities and the Japanese counterparts, in addition to increasing the number of competitive scholarships offered by Japan to Yemen. Sharaf underlined the Yemen's keenness to develop its relationship with Japan in various fields, particularly in higher education and scientific research, expressing appreciation of the Yemeni government and people for the Japanese support to Yemen in different stages. For his part, the Japanese diplomat expressed his country's adherence to expand horizons of cooperation with Yemen and provide assistances in all areas to support Yemen's development.

Al-Qirbi meets with Japanese diplomat

[10/February/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Foreign Minister Abu Baker al-Qirbi met on Monday with Japanese ambassador to Yemen Katsu Yoshie Hayashi. At the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance them. Al-Qirbi praised the historical and deep cooperation relations between the two friendly countries. For his part, the Japanese diplomat affirmed his country's support to Yemen, saying that Japan will grant Yemen about US$ 30 million.

JICA trains Yemeni agriculture engineers in Jordan

[02/February/2014]

AMMAN (Saba) - 15 Yemeni engineers started on Sunday in Jordan a 13-day specialized training course on modern techniques of water management and use at the farm level. The course was organized by the Japanese Agency for International Cooperation (JICA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, the College of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Station of the Jordanian University. According to a statement issued by the JICA and received by Saba, the course comes within the framework of programs and activities designed to raise the capabilities of Yemeni agriculture engineers and improve the irrigation means in order to reduce groundwater depletion in Yemen through taking advantage of the Jordanian and Japanese expertise in this field. The statement pointed out that these training courses come in the framework of technical cooperation between the Japanese and Yemeni governments in field of human development which called "Modern Irrigation Systems 2013/2015", which are implemented by the JICA.

It is noteworthy that the JICA had trained 229 Yemeni trainees during the Japanese fiscal year 2013 in Japan, Jordan, Egypt and Tunisia in fields of water, health, electricity, vocational training, fishing, maritime security, electoral system, agriculture, irrigation and export, and other fields of priority in Yemen.

Japan welcomes conclusion of NDC in Yemen

[27/January/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japan has welcomed the conclusion of the National Dialogue Conference (NDC) in Yemen, renewing its intent to continue to support Yemen's effort to build a modern state. This came in a press release issued by the Japanese Foreign Ministry and received by Saba, in which Japan praised the tireless efforts made by the Yemeni government and people for the success of the dialogue. Japan expressed its confidence in the progress of the transition process in the next phase, through the drafting of a new constitution and reaching the presidential and parliamentary elections, so as to allow restoring stability as soon as possible.

FM meets with Japanese diplomat

[23/January/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Foreign Minister Abu Baker al-Qirbi met on Thursday with Japanese ambassador to Yemen Katsu Yoshie Hayashi. During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral cooperation relations and ways to enhance them at various fields. They also talked over the latest developments of the National Dialogue Conference (NDC) and its success.

Japanese Deputy FM leaves Yemen

[21/January/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Taku Makino and his accompanying delegation have left Yemen after a few days visit to Yemen. During his visit, the Japanese envoy discussed with a number of officials the Yemeni-Japanese mutual cooperation relations as well as sides related to enhancing these relations in the economic area.

Japan distributes clothes for over 63,000 IDP in Yemen

[20/January/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - The Japan embassy in Yemen launched on Monday its humanitarian initiative of distributing clothes for over 63,000 Internally Displaced People (IDP) and refugees in Yemen. Japan embassy's initiative includes the distribution of 200,000 clothes pieces for 63,710 IDP and refugees through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Sana'a. The clothes are provided as a gift by the Japanese clothing company of "UNIQLO" for the displaced Yemenis in areas of conflict in Sa'ada and Abyan provinces and Arab countries' refugees in Yemen, within the framework of the ongoing Japanese assistance to the humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Yemen, which amounted to $88 million during 2012/2013, including more than $21 million provided to the IDPs through the UNHCR. The initiative was launched by Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Makino Taco, who ended today a short visit to Yemen, in the presence of the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Katsu Yoshie Hayashi and a UNHCR representative in Yemen. It is planned to distribute the clothes to IDP and refugees' families in the IDP camps in Haradh town and provinces of Amran, Sana'a and Abyan.

PM meets Japan Deputy Foreign Minister

[20/January/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Prime Minister Mohammed Salem Basindwa met here on Monday with Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Makino Taco. During the meeting, Basindwa and Taco discussed the Yemen-Japanese political, economic and cultural relations, in addition to the developmental role of Japan in Yemen in various stages. They also reviewed the Japanese role in next stages either directly or through meetings of Friends of Yemen, developments of the National Dialogue Conference and the current challenges Yemen faces in the transitional stage, topped by the security challenge. Basindwa welcomed Japanese investments in Yemen in various sectors, stressing that these investments will have all the necessary facilities and privileges to make them work. For his part, the Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister affirmed his county's support of Yemen, saying that Japan has allocated $30 million to be granted to Yemen in addition to $88 million provided during the past two years. Taco hailed Yemen's potentials of investment and tourism if the necessary factors, particularly security, are available which will inevitably play an important role in the national economy.

Yemeni-Japanese official talks held in Sana'a

[20/January/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Foreign Minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi and Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Makino Taco held here on Monday official talks between Yemen and Japan. At the meeting, they discussed the bilateral cooperation between the two countries and areas of political, economic and development cooperation provided by Japan to Yemen. Al-Qirbi confirmed Yemen's keenness to strengthen areas of cooperation with Japan, which is considered by Yemenis a friendly country and among the first countries that helped Yemen during the previous stages. For his part, Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister expressed his pleasure to visit Yemen to show the support that is given to Yemen by Japan during this period that coincides with the conclusion of the National Dialogue Conference. "Japan provided $88 million as development aid to Yemen over the past year and the Japanese government also expects to provide $30 million during the donor conference for Yemen to be held next March," Taco said. He confirmed Japan's willingness to support the transition phase in Yemen, the efforts to counter terrorism and strengthen Yemen's sea security.

FM, Japanese ambassador review development of NDC

[16/January/2014]

SANA'A (Saba) - Foreign Minister Abu Baker al-Qirbi met on Thursday with the Japanese ambassador to Yemen Katsu Yoshie Hayashi, reviewing development of the National Dialogue Conference (NDC). Hayashi affirmed his country's support to Yemen, praising efforts exerted by President Abdo Rabbu Mansour Hadi to get Yemen out of its current crisis. He cited that Japan's deputy minister of foreign affairs will visit Yemen next week, singling out that Japan will support Yemen in different fields. Both sides also discussed, during the meeting, bilateral relations and ways to enhance the joint cooperation areas.

JICA trains Yemeni engineers in Jordan

[05/January/2014]

AMMAN (Saba) - 20 Yemeni engineers started on Sunday in Jordan a 18-day specialized training course on "Using of Geographic Information Systems' Techniques in Irrigation Water Management". The course was organized by the Japanese Agency for International Cooperation (JICA) in collaboration with the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. The course aims to provide the engineers with skills related to the modern technologies for applying geographic information systems and survey technique. According to a statement issued by the JICA, the course comes within the framework of programs and activities designed to raise the capabilities of Yemeni agriculture engineers and improve the irrigation means in order to reduce groundwater depletion in Yemen. These training courses come in the framework of technical cooperation between the Japanese and Yemeni governments in field of human development which called "Modern Irrigation Systems 2013/2014", which are implemented by the JICA. It is noteworthy that the JICA had trained 163 Yemeni trainees in 2012 in Japan, Jordan, Egypt and Tunisia in fields of water, health, electricity, vocational training, fishing, maritime security, electoral system, agriculture, irrigation and export.