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<p>Red Sea Ports are currently operational and continue to import most of the food
and fuel on which Yemenis rely. For most of this year imports have been robust and
in some cases exceeded pre-war levels. We are however concerned about recent reports
of a reduction of imports into Yemen.</p><p><em> </em></p><p>To maintain confidence
of commercial importers, the UK recently worked with the US, Saudis and Emiratis to
agree measures with the Central Bank of Yemen to issue letters of credit to provide
foreign currency so that importers can purchase food on international markets. This
has also resulted in an appreciation of the Yemeni Riyal, increasing the purchasing
power of ordinary Yemenis.</p><p> </p><p>It is imperative the Red Sea ports of Hodeidah
and Saleef remain operational. Yemen relies on imports to meet 90% of its basic needs
like food and fuel – before the conflict, the Red Sea ports of Hodeidah and Saleef
accounted for approximately 80% of total imports into Yemen. The UK recently pressed
successfully for the suspension of unnecessary processes introduced by the Government
of Yemen in bringing food goods into the country and we continue to call on all parties
to allow safe, rapid and unhindered access for food and fuel throughout Yemen.</p><p>
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