Almotamar.net, Saba - Yemen and Germany signed in Sana'a on Saturday agreements on technical and financial cooperation for the years 2009-10. The total sum is $ 110 million.

The agreements cover cooperation in areas of development, education, water, reproductive health, good governance, food security and environmental diversity.

The agreements were signed by Deputy Premier for Economic affairs, the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Abdul-Karim al-Arhabi, for the Yemeni side and the German ambassador to Yemen Michael Klor-Berchtold for the German side.

Following agreements signing ceremonies al-Arhabi valued the German continuous support for development in Yemen saying, "We consider Germany a dependable donor in supporting sector priorities."

Al-Arhabi also emphasized the importance of enhancement and development of bilateral relations between the two friendly countries in different areas.

Yemeni-German development cooperation is aimed at providing direct assistance to the poor in Yemen. German support focuses on water and education, with the goal of bringing about tangible improvements in people's living conditions.

Commenting on the water situation in Yemen, German ambassador Michael Klor-Berchtold said that Yemen is one of most water-poor countries of the world. The overuse of water is a major challenge to Yemen's government. Germany supports Yemen to implement its water strategy.

"Education is a priority in fighting poverty. Germany therefore supports the Yemeni government to improve primary school enrolment and the quality of education. This includes, in particular, efforts to empower women in Yemen's society by means of broadening primary and secondary education for girls. Yemen can not afford to abandon the knowledge and workforce of half of its population", underlined Klor-Berchtold.

In addition, Germany has committed 1, 5 million Euros to mitigate the effects of the armed conflict in Saada on the civilian population.