JEDDAH – During a visit to the IDB Headquarters, a senior Yemeni delegation comprising the Minister for Planning and International Cooperation and IDB Governor for Yemen, Dr. Mohammed Abdul-Wahed Al-Maitami, and the country's Minister of Public Works and Highways, Wahy Taha Aman, expressed their appreciation for IDB's role and continued support, particularly during what the country is going through. They emphasized the significant role of IDB in preparations for the reconstruction and rehabilitation and called for a reallocation of resources already approved by the Bank for Yemen based on priorities arising from the current situation. During the meeting, the delegation briefed the IDB President Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali on the extent of damage incurred in different parts of the country and discussed the need for devising a comprehensive national plan for the reconstruction and rehabilitation phase. On the occasion, the IDB President said the Bank remains steadfast behind Yemen to provide support to its plans and programs and shall render necessary assistance to affected areas and sectors. Dr. Ali also stressed the importance of allocating resources as per the immediate priorities of the government of Yemen as well as for the reconstruction phase. The Board of Executive Directors of IDB during its meeting in Maputo, Mozambique last June, held on the occasion of 40th Annual Meeting of the IDB Board of Governors, had agreed on a $52 million aid package for Yemen comprising procurement of 15 mobile clinics for $49.5 million under the Fael Khair charitable program funded by donations from the late King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. In addition, it had also agreed to rehabilitate a number of health clinics and hospitals such as the Zanzibar Hospital in Abyan province, as well as providing food, health and education facilities to the children in refugee camps set up in secure areas. The IDB has so far provided $471 million for financing 88 development projects in Yemen of which 59 have already been completed. — SG
