DP World could be considering re-entry into the Yemeni ports sector following meetings with Yemini government officials last week.

A Yemeni delegation led by Transport Minister, Badr Mubarak Ba-Salma, visited the UAE and Dubai last week to meet the DP World chairman, Sultan bin Sulayem, to discuss areas of mutual cooperation to support rebuilding of the country’s economy, the company said.

“We have a close bond with Yemen, with long standing historical and trading ties. It is our honour to offer our advice and expertise in global ports and logistics to contribute to the Government of Yemen’s efforts to rebuild their economy,” official UAE news agency WAM quoted bin Sulayem as saying.

“We are exploring areas where we can help our near neighbours in their efforts to restore critical marine and trade infrastructure at Aden and look forward to developing our discussions in the immediate future.”

In July, a technical team from the UAE arrived in Yemen to set up temporary air traffic control facilities at Aden Airport and a UAE ship carrying food and medical supplies entered the port there.

Aden lies within the territory under the control of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, whose forces are pitted against Houthi rebels, who were engaged by Saudi armed forces in a campaign which began in March. The UAE has also sent troops to Yemen in support of the Saudi effort.

DP World divested its interest in the Port of Aden in 2012 amid rumours that its Yemen partners felt it had not lived up to its contractual obligations. Yemeni port officials were believed to be unhappy at the idea that DP World was promoting its Doraleh Terminal in Djibouti at the expense of Aden.

“A management team from DP World and Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) will visit Yemen [this] week to continue the dialogue, review developments in the country and establish areas where assistance can be provided for the benefit of the people of Yemen,” the company said.