[28 August 2008]

SANA'A, Aug. 28 (Saba) - Yemen and Japan signed on Thursday a detailed memorandum regarding a new annual grant to support small farmers in Yemen.

The memorandum included the purchase of agricultural equipments to be distributed to the farmers in the targeted areas for supporting them to increase production and improve their living conditions.

After the signing ceremony, Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Mansur Ahmad al-Hawshabi praised Japan's support to develop the agriculture sector in Yemen, noting the memorandum was a positive step to increase the Japanese aids to agricultural productions and enhance the role of agricultural sector to realize food security in the country.

He pointed out that Japan's assistance comes within the framework of the current relations of cooperation between the two friendly countries.

For his part, Resident Representative of Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Yemen Office Kenichi Sasaki affirmed Japan's readiness to raise assistance in the domain of providing agricultural equipments Yemeni farmers need.

He confirmed his country's keenness to assist Yemeni farmers to develop and improve their activities and living conditions.

The memorandum was signed in Sana'a by Sasaki and deputy Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation Abdul Malek al-Arashi.

SA/YA

Saba