Aden (South24 Center)

---

The United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, held a series of meetings in the interim capital, Aden, with officials from the internationally recognized government, as part of UN efforts to advance the stalled peace process.

Grundberg arrived in Aden on April 6 in what marks his first visit to the city this year.

His meetings included Central Bank Governor Ahmed Ghaleb, the ministers of finance and oil, as well as Presidential Leadership Council member Mahmoud al-Subaihi. Discussions focused on recent economic and financial developments and the challenges facing the government amid the ongoing conflict.

According to the state news agency, the talks addressed disruptions to global supply chains, rising shipping and insurance costs, and fluctuations in energy and commodity prices, in addition to government measures to secure the supply of essential goods, including food, medicine, and fuel.

The two sides also discussed efforts to maintain financial stability, manage foreign currency reserves, and ensure the continuity of basic services, as well as the outlines of the 2026 state budget, which prioritizes salaries, essential services, and the financing of vital imports.

In a separate meeting, Grundberg discussed with the oil minister the impact of the suspension of oil exports since late 2022, following Houthi attacks on export facilities and ports, and the resulting decline in public revenues.

On the political front, the UN envoy met with Presidential Leadership Council member Mahmoud al-Subaihi, where they discussed recent developments in the peace efforts, including progress in the detainee exchange file.

Grundberg also met on Wednesday with a number of journalists, including the regional director of the South24 Center for News and Studies in Aden, Yaqoub Al-Sufiani, where recent developments and peace efforts were discussed.

These meetings come as South Yemen witnesses escalating tensions and protests in support of the Southern Transitional Council and in opposition to Saudi-backed forces, particularly in Hadramout.

 Read more at: UN Envoy Arrives in Aden Amid Wave of Popular Protests in South Yemen