Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Ahmet Davutoğlu paid an official visit to Yemen on 20-21 October 2012. Foreign Minister Davutoğlu was received by Mr. Abdu Rabbu Mansour, the President of Yemen and Mr. Mohammed Salem Basendwah, Prime Minister of Yemen. He also met with Mr. Abu Bakr Abdullah Al-Qırbi, Foreign Minister of Yemen and some other senior officials. On the occasion of the visit, a delegation consisting of approximately 150 businessmen also held contacts with the business community in Yemen.

Speaking at the joint press conference with his Yemeni counterpart, Al Qırbi, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu underlined the importance attached by Turkey to the success of Yemen in the national dialogue process, the second step of the initiative launched by the Gulf Cooperation Council. He said that Turkey stood by and would stand by Yemen with all its capabilities during the transition period. Also, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu called Yemeni people to contribute actively to the dialogue process and to work together on the territorial integrity and prosperity of Yemen. In addition, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu stated that Turkey would like to further develop its economic cooperation with Yemen and the 100 million Dollar donation committed by Turkey to Yemen would be provided through bilateral projects. He also added that Turkey would host the meeting of the Group of Friends of Yemen in March.

Following the meetings at the Foreign Ministry of Yemen, The Technical Cooperation Agreement bet Turkey and Yemen was signed by Foreign Minister Davutoğlu and Minister of Development and International Cooperation of Yemen.

As part of his contacts in Yemen, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu attended the Turkey-Yemen Business Forum with the accompanying business delegation. “Turkey wants to be among the top three countries with which Yemen trades” said Foreign Minister Davutoğlu pointing out that for the economic development of Yemen, Turkey was ready to cooperate in every field.

On the occasion of the visit, Foreign Minister Davutoğlu officially inaugurated the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) Office and said that with a view to sharing experience, direct communication channels between the Ministries of two countries was planned to be established.

Foreign Minister Davutoğlu also visited the Turkish Cemetery in Sana’a. Together with Prime Minister of Yemen, Mr. Basendwah, he inaugurated the Sana’a Complex of the International Yemen-Turkish School.