Kuwait committed to political, economic support of Yemen

The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) will continue its support of Yemeni government's efforts to tackle poverty and achieve political, economic and social stability, said its chief Abdulwahab Al-Bader on Tuesday. After heading Kuwait's delegation at Friends of Syria talks in London, the KFAED chief told KUNA that political stability in Yemen was of huge significance to Kuwait and its Gulf Cooperation Council neighbours. The GCC is the biggest contributor to Yemen, with its donations representing 70 percent of global relief, he added. The meeting witnessed agreement on three committees - economic, political and security. These will write up reports which will be handed to foreign ministers meeting at the UN General Assembly, in May. Attending nations pledged a total of USD eight billion as contributions to state development programmes. Kuwait had pledged USD 500 million. Last month, the Fund provided Yemen with a grant worth USD 60 million for some 13 developments colleges and universities. Kuwait also plans, next month, to carry out electricity and road projects in the country, he revealed. For his part, Yemeni Minister of Foreign Affairs Abu Baker Al-Qirbi hailed Kuwait's efforts in support of his country on the political and economic fronts, particularly through its state donor, KFAED. This support was felt through the numerous projects undertaken by the fund on educational facilities, roads and power plants, he added. On the talks in London, he expressed satisfaction, stating that, "the Yemeni government looks forward to more support from the international community."