Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Ministerial event on international support to the Government of Yemen

 
I thank Minister Falconer for organizing this meeting, and I welcome Prime Minister Mubarak and his high-level delegation here.
 
I listened attentively, with gratitude, to the presentation of the forward-looking vision for the future of Yemen.    
 
Japan supports this endeavor along with all other ongoing efforts by the government of Yemen under the leadership of the Prime Minister. We commend his anticorruption measures and government reform initiatives to achieve more efficient and effective public services.
 
State building is an arduous task for any country, and we fully understand Yemen needs to address numerous challenges stemming from the lingering conflict, as well as the economic and humanitarian crisis.
 
Overcoming such difficulties requires strong unity and solidarity within the Yemeni leadership.
 
The vision presented today should serve as a guiding principle to forge ties among all stakeholders, and should be followed by tangible actions for the betterment of the Yemeni people.
 
Improving good governance and the well-being of the population will apply pressure on the Houthis to change course.
 
Moreover, with its important geographical location, what happens in or around Yemen affects the region and beyond. Japan once again condemns the Houthis’ attacks against international shipping. They  must cease their reckless activities and release the Galaxy Leader and its crew, who have now been held for more than 14 months. These are consistent demands contained in  Security Council resolution 2722 and subsequent resolutions.
 
We highly value the UK’s leadership including the launch of the Yemen Coast Guard Strategy and the Yemen Maritime Security Partnership.
 
Japan has been a longtime partner for Yemen.
 
We have been taking a comprehensive approach based on the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus.
 
In addition to humanitarian assistance to alleviate the immediate suffering of Yemenis, Japan has been contributing to infrastructure development and institution and capacity building with a long-term perspective. Those projects include enhancing efficiency in the Port of Aden and the invitation of Yemeni officials for various professional trainings.
 
Recently Japan decided to provide a new assistance package of approximately 6.6 million USD from its supplementary budget.   

Part of this package will be used for the provision of equipment and training for the Yemeni Coast Guard to strengthen maritime security in the region based on the rule of law.
 
Japan will continue to play its part together with other partners to help the Yemeni government realize its vision for a peaceful and prosperous future.
 
I thank you.