Mukalla / Marketing & Media Depts.

Engineer Salem Ali Basmer, Chairman of the Arabian Sea Ports Corporation, met today with Mr. Anthony Boswell, Economic Advisor to the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, accompanied by Ms. Thumna Obaid, Political Officer at the UN office in Aden. The meeting addressed the economic impact of the ongoing conflict, security developments, and operational challenges facing Mukalla Port.

Chairman Basmer welcomed the visit and provided an overview of the port’s performance in recent years, noting a decline in maritime activity due to political instability and increased insurance costs for incoming vessels. He emphasized the port’s critical role in supplying eastern Yemeni governorates and highlighted the corporation’s efforts to self-finance development projects and partner with the private sector.

Basmer called for UN support to enhance the port’s technical and operational capabilities, stressing the urgent need for investment in infrastructure and logistics.

Mr. Boswell reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Yemen’s economic recovery and fostering dialogue among stakeholders to create sustainable solutions that improve humanitarian and economic conditions.

Following the meeting, the UN delegation toured Mukalla Port’s terminals and yards to observe ship operations, cargo handling, and the port’s current capacity.