Riyadh – Optimism surrounded the preparatory workshop on Yemen’s Post-Conflict Recovery and Reconstruction which concluded its two-day session in Riyadh on Tuesday.

GCC Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Negotiations Abdulaziz Aluwaisheg told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper that workshop attendees have pledged to contribute to Yemen’s reconstruction, while international funds expressed their commitment to provide the necessary support in this regard.

The GCC official hinted that an international conference on Yemen’s reconstruction would be held in a Gulf state.
He added that a third workshop would be held in October in preparation for the conference.

The second preparatory workshop on Yemen’s Post-Conflict Recovery and Reconstruction was attended by representatives from Yemen’s government and legitimate institutions, Gulf Cooperation Council States and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Al-Sharq Alawsat

The workshop saw discussions over 11 different issues, including the general framework of development and reconstruction, an evaluation of damages, the current needs and future steps, in addition to economic stability in Yemen and the capacities of national institutions.

Tuesday’s sessions focused on the role of the civil society and private sector in post-war reconstruction efforts.

Asked about concerns over the ongoing Houthi control over the country’s Central Bank, Aluwaisheg said that some alternative mechanisms can be adopted by donor states to deliver the funds dedicated to reconstruction projects.

However, the GCC official stressed that a comprehensive reconstruction of Yemen required a political solution, noting that deliberations were underway to find the best means to speed up the rebuilding process and overcome challenges posed by insecurity.

For his part, Yemeni Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Mohammed Maitami told Asharq al-Awsat that discussions during the workshop have mainly focused on urgent interventions and sustainable development factors. He added that humanitarian relief represents the main goal of countries backing the legitimate government.