Aden, January 03, 2025 – Yemeni Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Moammar Al-Eryani praised the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) for its exceptional contributions to the development of Yemen across various sectors, particularly after his visit to several of the program’s ongoing projects and initiatives in Socotra Governorate. Al-Eryani’s visit to Socotra highlighted the tangible impact of SDRPY’s efforts, which span infrastructure, education, healthcare, and more, underscoring the Kingdom’s vital role in the reconstruction and development of Yemen during a time of conflict and hardship.
During his visit, Al-Eryani emphasized that SDRPY’s work in Yemen is not only about development but also about the enduring brotherhood and unwavering support extended by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He credited the program as a direct reflection of the commitment made by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to stand by the Yemeni people through challenging times. This support symbolizes the deep-rooted ties between the two nations and represents the Kingdom’s continued dedication to Yemen’s stability and progress.
One of the key projects Al-Eryani visited in the Qalansiyah District was the establishment of a new power station, designed to significantly increase electricity generation capacity in Socotra. This initiative aims to ensure a reliable and sustainable electricity supply, particularly crucial in the face of Yemen’s challenging weather conditions, such as seasonal cyclones. The project will enhance the resilience of the power infrastructure and provide local operators with essential training programs in operation and maintenance, thereby improving the capacity of the region’s power grid. The power station will be equipped with two powerful 1.46-megawatt generators, seamlessly integrated into Socotra’s existing public electricity grid.
In addition to the power station, Al-Eryani visited the Qalansiyah model school, a state-of-the-art educational facility equipped with science and computer laboratories, as well as sports courts for volleyball and basketball. The school is designed not only to enhance academic performance but also to foster well-rounded development by supporting extracurricular activities that enrich students’ overall educational experience. This facility is a testament to SDRPY’s commitment to improving educational standards in Yemen.
Al-Eryani also took the opportunity to commend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its significant economic assistance to Yemen, amounting to $500 million. This aid has been pivotal in supporting the Yemeni government’s budget, reinforcing the Central Bank of Yemen, and facilitating the broader goals of stability and prosperity for the Yemeni people.
The Minister highlighted that SDRPY’s efforts in Socotra, and across Yemen more broadly, cover essential sectors such as infrastructure, transport, healthcare, economic development, and education. With 263 projects and initiatives already implemented in eight key sectors—including education, health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture and fisheries, government capacity building, and other development programs—the SDRPY continues to be a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s support for Yemen’s recovery and long-term stability. These initiatives are not only transforming the lives of individuals in affected regions but are also laying the foundation for a more prosperous and self-sustaining future for Yemen.
Al-Eryani’s remarks underline the critical importance of continued collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Yemen in achieving the goals of peace, development, and economic resilience. The SDRPY’s comprehensive approach exemplifies the Kingdom’s commitment to rebuilding Yemen and ensuring that the Yemeni people emerge stronger from the challenges they have faced in recent years.
