SANAA, Feb 3 (KUNA) -- Yemeni Prime Minister Mohammad Salem Basendwa on Monday expressed gratitude to Kuwait for the continuous support it offered to Yemen's economic development.
During his meeting with Director General of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) Abdulwahab Al-Bader, Basendwa said the two countries maintained "sisterly ties and mutual support over the last decades." He welcomed the agreement signed earlier today by Al-Bader and Yemeni Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Mohammad Al-Saadi by virtue of which the Fund will offer USD 60 million to the project to construct community colleges in 12 Yemeni governorates.
Basendwa praised KFAED's role in the development of the infrastructure in Yemen and called on Kuwaiti investors to resume investment in his country.
He noted that the Kuwaiti businesses play a leading role in Yemeni economic development, promising that his government will facilitate their activities.
On his part, Al-Bader affirmed that Kuwait will continue standing by Yemen in its efforts to resume economic growth.
"With the signing of today's deal, the total value of Kuwait's contributions to Yemen tops USD 110 million under the two donor conferences, held in Riyadh and New York," he pointed out.
One of the planned 12 community colleges will be named after His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah; it will be built on Socotra Island in the Indian Ocean, he added.
After the meeting, Al-Bader wound up his visit to Yemen and left here for home; he was seen off Assistant Undersecretary of the Yemeni Ministry of Planning Mohammad Al-Masouri and Charge d'Affaires of Kuwait Embassy Faisal Al-Murtairi. (end) az.gb KUNA 032207 Feb 14NNNN