Strategic support at a crucial time
In accordance with the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced new economic support for the Republic of Yemen amounting to SAR 1.3 billion (approximately USD 347 million). This support comes in response to a request from the Yemeni government for assistance in addressing its budget deficit related to public sector salaries and wages.
His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Defense, confirmed in a post on the “X” platform that this support aims to support the brotherly Yemeni people, and comes through the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen (SDRPY), in response to the urgent need of the Yemeni government in this vital aspect.
General context and historical background
This support cannot be separated from the broader context of the Yemeni crisis, which began in 2014 and has resulted in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Since the start of the conflict, Saudi Arabia has led a coalition to support the legitimate government in Yemen, and its role has not been limited to the military sphere, but has extended to include extensive humanitarian, economic, and developmental support. Over the years, the Kingdom has provided billions of dollars in humanitarian aid and financial deposits in the Central Bank of Yemen to stabilize the currency and facilitate the import of essential goods. The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen, established in 2018, serves as the executive arm of these efforts, implementing projects in vital sectors such as health, education, energy, transportation, and water to directly improve the lives of Yemeni citizens.
The importance of support and its expected impact
This financial support is of paramount importance on several levels:
- At the local level, paying the salaries of public sector employees (such as teachers, doctors, military personnel, and civil servants) contributes to basic social stability. It ensures a regular income for millions of Yemeni families, boosting their purchasing power and stimulating the local economy. It also strengthens the legitimate government's ability to provide essential services to citizens, thus reinforcing its legitimacy and institutions in the face of ongoing challenges.
- Regionally, this support reinforces the Kingdom's role as a key stabilizing force in the region and underscores its commitment to supporting the legitimate Yemeni government and reaching a comprehensive political solution to the crisis. It also sends a clear message that the stability of Yemen is integral to the security and stability of the entire region.
- At the international level, Saudi support aligns with international efforts to alleviate the humanitarian suffering in Yemen. By shouldering a significant portion of the financial burden, the Kingdom encourages international partners to increase their contributions to support humanitarian and development response plans in the country. A stable Yemeni economy is a fundamental pillar of any sustainable peace process, and this support directly contributes to that goal.
In conclusion, this support is not just a temporary financial aid package, but rather part of an integrated strategy aimed at establishing the foundations of financial and economic stability, advancing the path of sustainable development, and paving the way towards a secure and prosperous future for the brotherly Yemeni people.
