Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Abdul-Latif Al-Zayyani on Wednesday called on the donors for Yemen to continue helping the country to overcome the challenges of the transitional period.

Addressing the third ministerial meeting of the Friends of Yemen group, Dr. Al-Zayyani reaffirmed the GCC support for the Yemeni government in its efforts to set the stage for a national dialogue and general elections.

"The GCC states back up all the measures adopted by the administration of Yemeni President Abd-Rabbo Mansour Hadi to advance the political process and abort the designs aiming to drag the country to chaos," he stressed.

"The despicable act of terrorism that took place in Sanaa on Monday was part of a plot that aimed to hinder the efforts of the Yemeni government to restore stability and security of Yemen, uphold the rule of law and resume the march towards peace and development," Dr. Al-Zayyani pointed out.

He renewed solidarity with the Yemeni government and support for its program for socio-economic rehabilitation in the transitional period (2012-2014), saying the program targets credible levels of economic growth, more job opportunities for the youth and resumption of foreign investment.

"The GCC countries met their pledges of assistance for Yemen during the bleakest times of its crisis; the value of the economic and humanitarian aid offered to Yemen last year topped USD one billion," Dr. Al-Zayyani noted.

"In early May the two sides agreed to resume the USD 600 million worth joint projects which have been in limbo since the start of the crisis.

"The implementation of new projects amounting in value to USD 750 million will get underway during 2012," he disclosed.

The GCC chief voiced hope that the other donor for Yemen will follow suit in adopting practical steps to help the country.