Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Afrah Al-Zouba, held a virtual meeting today with Esther Pérez Ruiz, Head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission to Yemen, to discuss the latest economic developments in Yemen and preparations for the resumption of the IMF’s Article IV Consultations with the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Yemen.

The meeting was attended by the IMF Resident Representative in Yemen, Mohammed Jaber, Executive Director at the IMF Dr. Mohamed Maait, and a number of economic experts and officials from both sides. Participants noted that Yemen’s economy has demonstrated resilience in the face of recent challenges.

Dr. Al-Zouba stated that the Central Bank of Yemen had managed the recent economic pressures with efficiency and professionalism, maintaining exchange rate stability without significant fluctuations. She also noted that the payment of civil service salaries had helped restore purchasing power and stimulate economic activity.

The Minister expressed the Government of Yemen’s appreciation for the IMF’s central role in supporting Yemeni institutions, highlighting the Fund’s contributions to institutional capacity building and technical assistance, which have significantly strengthened the performance of key government institutions, including the Central Bank of Yemen and the Ministry of Finance.

Dr. Al-Zouba also reviewed the political and security situation, noting tangible improvements in the delivery of essential public services in liberated areas. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building on previous reform efforts while focusing on economic recovery and stability, improving basic services, strengthening social cohesion, and promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability.

For her part, Esther Pérez Ruiz welcomed the improving political and security environment and the government’s commitment to maintaining strategic policy continuity. She reaffirmed the IMF’s commitment to moving forward with the Article IV Consultations, describing them as a key milestone in strengthening international confidence in Yemen’s economy.

She also announced plans to hold a series of technical meetings with the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Yemen in the coming days to accelerate the completion of the consultation process.

Dr. Mohamed Maait congratulated Dr. Al-Zouba on her appointment as Minister of Planning and International Cooperation and reaffirmed the IMF’s readiness to support Yemen in addressing its current challenges. He also expressed confidence in the IMF team working on Yemen and in the successful completion of the upcoming consultations.