H.E. Minister of Social Affairs and Labour, Mukhtar Al-Yafei, met today at the Ministry's headquarters in the interim capital, Aden, with Ms. Esterd Becker, the non-resident representative of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) in Yemen and the Foundation's Regional Coordinator for the Renewable Energy and Climate Change Program in the Middle East, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and partnership between the Ministry and the Foundation in the areas of decent work, support for trade unions, and capacity building for civil society organizations.

The meeting reviewed the Foundation's programs and activities in Yemen and explored opportunities to further enhance bilateral cooperation in line with government priorities and policy directions. Discussions also focused on promoting institutional development, strengthening capacity-building efforts, expanding partnerships with civil society organizations, and preparations for the consultative meeting that the Ministry intends to convene with its local and international partners.

Minister Al-Yafei affirmed that the Ministry is committed to an open-door policy toward development partners and is actively working to establish effective partnerships that contribute to improving institutional performance. He noted that the Ministry places particular emphasis on reorganizing and revitalizing trade union activities, addressing challenges facing labor unions, and supporting and empowering civil society organizations to enable them to play a more effective role in the country's development process.

The Minister further explained that, in line with its national responsibility, the Ministry is committed to delivering its services across all governorates of the country without exception. He renewed his call for international and local organizations to relocate their headquarters to the interim capital, Aden, stressing the government's readiness to provide all necessary facilitation. He also emphasized that the Ministry considers the success of its partners to be a success for humanitarian and development efforts throughout the country.

For her part, Ms. Esterd Becker commended the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour's vision and strategic direction for the coming period. She praised its commitment to strengthening partnerships with international institutions, advancing trade union development, and building the capacities of civil society organizations. She also reaffirmed the Friedrich Ebert Foundation's readiness to continue its cooperation with the Ministry in support of achieving shared development objectives.