Yemen, WB hold official talks

SANA'A, Feb. 21 (Saba)- Yemen and World Bank held on Saturday
official talks in Sana'a co-chaired by the deputy prime minister and
minister of planning and international cooperation Abdul-Kareem
al-Arhabi and vice president of world bank for middle east and north
African region Daniela Gressani.

The talks focused on preparations related to the strategy of
assistance to Yemen for 2009- 2013 and priorities of support for the
development sectors in Yemen.

The two sides discussed economic and financial challenges especially
decrease of oil production which is considered key resources for the
Yemeni state budget.

Al-Arhabi highlighted level of the relationship and cooperation
between Yemen and the World Bank, saying that the decision of the
government over the state budget would not impact on development
projects funded by Yemen and the donors.

He pointed out to the achievements which have been taken place
during the pervious period in the nation such as reforms in fields
of judiciary, investment environment as well as financial reforms.

For her part, the deputy president of the World Bank expressed
readiness of the bank to present technical assistance to Yemen to
face circumstances of the world financial crisis.

She affirmed that the WB assistance to Yemen would not affect by the
financial crisis.

AH