[17/October/2008]

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 (Saba) - Yemen and U.S have discussed the priorities of future support, particularly in fields of good governing, economy, education, agriculture, water and energy.

Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs Abdul Karim al-Arhabi held on Thursday talks with Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Henrietta Fore over development programs implemented by USAID in the country.

Al-Arhabi reviewed the development challenges Yemen faces including overpopulation, water scarcity and raising poverty average due to the international food crisis.

He highlighted the government's future strategies in this regard, making clear that the sectors of higher education, technical education and health services are the government's top priorities.

The USAID's official Fore reviewed the progress of the Agency's development programs in governorate of Saada, Jawf, Marib, Shabwa and Amran, asserting the USAID keenness on continuing its support for development efforts in the country.

On the other hand, al-Arhabi held another session talks with Vice-president of the Millennium Challenge Corporation for International Policy Sherri Kraham on the progress implementation of national reform agenda, especially in fields of combating corruption in the light of the issuance of financial disclosure law and the activation of transparency initiative in oil and minerals sector.

The Deputy Premier also talked about plans for upgrading civil services sector and purchase systems, showing the improvement in the investment environment.

AF/AF

Saba