EU Ambassadors conclude visits to Mukalla, Aden

EU Ambassador Gabriel Munuera, French Ambassador Catherine Corm Kammaoun and Dutch Ambassador Jeanette Seppen visited Mukalla and Aden on 23-26 February.

In Mukalla they met with PLC VP Faraj al-Bahsani and Governor Mabkhout bin Madhi and attended the opening of the exhibition "Hadhramaut through the eyes of a Dutch diplomat " sponsored by the Netherlands, and the launch of the EU-funded, UNESCO implemented project for the refurbishment of the Mukalla Museum. They also had the opportunity of strolling through the beautiful, heritage-rich streets of Old Mukalla.

In Aden the Ambassadors met with PLC VP Al Zubeidi, PM Bin Mubarak, both accompanied by several members of the Cabinet. They also met with CBY Governor Ghaleb and Aden Governor Lamlas. They visited the EU-funded Aden University’s Women Research and Training Center and met with members of the related Peacebuilding Network. And they had the opportunity to meet with the UN Country Team in Aden.

In their meetings the Ambassadors reiterated EU support for the PLC and the Government, stressing the need of unity and reform. They praised the key role of CBY in stabilising the currency and the economy. They discussed the particular challenges faced by Aden and Hadramaut governorates. They emphasized the need for a conducive operating environment for humanitarian and development work. They also highlighted the importance of civic space, and the fundamental importance of promoting the role of women, and their participation, together with men, in Yemen’s endeavours for prosperity and peace, in that regard reiterating support for UN-led peace efforts.