Amman, Oct. 5 (Petra) -- Jordan and Yemen have agreed to activate political consultations between their foreign ministries and are preparing for the 15th session of their Joint Higher Committee as the two countries seek to expand cooperation in key sectors, Yemeni Foreign and Expatriates Minister Afrah Zouba said.

In an interview with the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Zouba highlighted the longstanding ties between the two countries and their commitment to strengthening coordination amid rapidly evolving regional developments and the challenges facing Yemen.

She said the political consultation mechanism would be activated under a memorandum of understanding signed in 2022, while preparations are underway for the next session of the Jordanian-Yemeni Joint Higher Committee.

Zouba noted that her talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi covered developments in Yemen and the repercussions of regional escalation for security and international navigation.

She praised Jordan’s support for Yemen in the political, economic, health and education sectors, as well as its contribution to capacity-building and strengthening state institutions.

Four Areas for Cooperation Zouba identified health, higher education, training and capacity-building, and investment and private-sector cooperation as four priority areas with significant potential for expanded bilateral cooperation.

Jordan is an important medical destination for Yemenis, she noted, adding that Yemen is seeking to improve medical referral arrangements and facilitate access to treatment.

The two countries are also looking to renew their executive program for higher education, expand university placements and scholarships, and draw on Jordanian expertise in training government personnel and improving institutional performance.

Zouba said the Yemeni government wants to translate these priorities into practical programs with defined timelines, budgets and follow-up mechanisms through the political consultations and Joint Higher Committee.

On Yemenis living in Jordan, she noted that the Yemeni Embassy in Amman is coordinating with Jordanian authorities on residency, fees and status-related issues.

She expressed appreciation for Jordan’s understanding of these matters and voiced hope for continued cooperation to facilitate procedures for the Yemeni community.

Regional Developments Addressing regional security developments and attacks against Arab countries, including Jordan, Zouba stressed Yemen’s commitment to the sovereignty and territorial and airspace integrity of states, noninterference in their internal affairs and the protection of civilians.

"We stand in solidarity with brotherly Jordan over what it has faced, and with every Arab country whose sovereignty has been violated, regardless of the perpetrator," she said.

She rejected the prospect of any Arab country becoming an arena for conflicts involving other parties.

Economic, Humanitarian Priorities Turning to conditions in Yemen, Zouba identified salaries, food, medicine, electricity and water as immediate government priorities, alongside responding to displacement caused by the Houthi militia’s military escalation since July. Nearly 200,000 newly displaced people had been registered by late September, she said, increasing demand for emergency shelter and assistance for displaced families and support for host communities.

The government has approved a cost-of-living allowance and measures addressing suspended salary adjustments and allowances, with implementation underway, according to Zouba.

She stressed that Yemen needs not only humanitarian assistance from Arab countries and the international community but also support for state institutions, including the government budget, the central bank and productive sectors.

This year’s humanitarian response plan continues to face a significant funding gap between actual contributions and the amount required, she added.

Palestinian Cause On Palestine, Zouba reaffirmed Yemen’s support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967, lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

She also commended Jordan’s role and His Majesty King Abdullah II’s custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and efforts to preserve their historical and legal status quo.

//Petra// AJ