July 15, 2025
Aden, July 15, 2025 – His Excellency Yoichi Nakashima, Ambassador of Japan to Yemen, conducted a comprehensive field visit to Aden Port on Tuesday, focusing on vital projects funded by the Japanese government to enhance the port’s capabilities and pivotal role.
The visit commenced at 3:00 PM with Ambassador Nakashima’s arrival at Ma’alla Wharves, where he observed port operations firsthand. He was received by:
- Captain Ali Al-Subhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport for Maritime Affairs and Ports;
- Engineer Abdulrab Al-Khulaqui, Deputy CEO of Aden Port;
- Captain Shafie Al-Hariri, Director General of Wharves and Yards, alongside other port leaders.
Engineer Al-Khulaqui led the delegation on a tour of Ma’alla Wharf facilities, highlighting the Japanese-funded cargo warehouse rehabilitation project. He emphasized its "critical strategic importance," stating: "This upgrade facilitates the reception of essential relief supplies, directly accelerating ship unloading and reducing vessel waiting times at the wharf," underscoring its role in enhancing humanitarian service efficiency.
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The delegation then proceeded to the Technical & Engineering Workshop in Al-Tawahi City – a key maintenance hub for marine/land vehicles and infrastructure. Ambassador Nakashima received a detailed briefing on severe damage sustained by the facility and ongoing Japanese funding to rehabilitate its marine maintenance workshop (mechanical/electrical sections). A presentation showcased the workshop’s operations, notably its main slipway as a vital asset, followed by an extensive discussion on the port’s revenue-generation role with engineers led by Deputy Manager Eng. Mohamed Saleh.
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At the Marine Operations Control Tower, the Ambassador heard from Captain Hani Abdul Moti about the advanced vessel-tracking system funded by UNDP (2022). Expressing admiration, H.E. Nakashima remarked: "I witnessed the staff’s keen interest and practical utilization of this support," applauding efforts to develop operational infrastructure.
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Concluding the visit – attended by Mr. Murad H. Al-Shishani (UNDP Project Manager for Aden & Mukalla Ports Enhancement) – Engineer Al-Khulaqui presented the Ambassador with a commemorative shield symbolizing deep gratitude. Al-Khulaqui affirmed: "This gift reflects Aden Port’s appreciation for Japan’s ongoing generous support in funding capacity-building projects, which directly sustain our vital operations and service to Yemen’s economy and people."
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Ambassador Nakashima’s tour reaffirmed the robust Japan-Yemen partnership in backing critical sectors like ports – Yemen’s economic and relief lifeline – with focused investments enhancing efficiency and accelerating lifesaving humanitarian aid delivery.
