Aden -- Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council chairman Dr. Rashad al-Alimi and Prime Minister Salem bin Braik reaffirmed the central role of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states in stabilizing Yemen’s economy, advancing reforms, and helping the country recover from the damage caused by the Iran-backed Houthi movement.

Speaking in the interim capital, Aden, the officials met separately with the GCC ambassador to Yemen, Sarhan al-Minaikher, focusing on comprehensive reforms, economic recovery, and strengthening state institutions.

According to Yemen’s state media, al-Alimi and the ambassador reviewed political and economic developments, including progress on government reforms and their recent impact on the Yemeni riyal.

Al-Alimi stressed that fiscal and monetary improvements require continued Gulf and international support to consolidate gains and move toward sustained recovery.

He expressed deep appreciation for the GCC’s longstanding backing of Yemen’s constitutional legitimacy, describing Gulf assistance as the country’s first line of defense against threats to its identity and national economy.

Bin Braik likewise emphasized the GCC’s crucial role in supporting Yemen’s “courageous” economic and institutional reforms, pursued despite the war and the Houthis’ obstructionist policies.

Al-Minaikher, for his part, conveyed the greetings of GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi and reiterated the Council’s full support for Yemen’s economic reform agenda.

The two also discussed future partnership initiatives, including follow-up to Aden’s First National Energy Conference, which outlined a national vision to address Yemen’s chronic electricity crisis.

Bin Braik said Yemen is counting on GCC partners to help develop sustainable energy projects, upgrade power infrastructure, and introduce technologies that reduce production costs and improve grid efficiency, limiting the Houthis’ ability to use electricity as a political tool.

Al-Minaikher stressed the GCC’s commitment to supporting the reforms, noting that early indicators are “promising and worth building upon.”