The bilateral political dialogue has been recently intensified and has been focused on Middle Eastern regional topics and of the Horn of Africa (Somalia, relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea), a region where the role of the Yemen was strengthened by the creation of the Sana’a Cooperation Forum between Yemen, Sudan and Ethiopia.
Italy has moreover carried out an important role, during its Presidency of the European Union, in establishing a "political dialogue" ad hoc between the European Union and Yemen. Sana’a is neither part of the Barcelona Process nor of the dialogue between European Union and GCC. The "political dialogue" between Brussels and Sana' a  is bound to consolidate the relations of the EU with Yemen, which is also part of the Strategic Partnership initiative.
From the point of view of development aid, Italy has increased her contributions to Yemen in the last few years from 3 up to 40 mln. euro. Italian development aid focused on health, environment and also contributed to programs of high political and social impact, together with UNDP and other UN agencies  (demining, election support, refugees).
Culture is another important field where Italy is present. Apart from the scholarship program, the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs promoted teaching of Italian language and literature at Sana’a University, starting from 2004, as well as initiatives in the sector of promotion and preservation of cultural heritage (Archeological Mission in Baraqish and Timna, Amiriya Madrasa in Rada’).
The number of Italian nationals living in Yemen is limited and there are no Italian companies in the country.
In the framework of the excellent state of the bilateral relations, on the occasion of the visit in Italy of Yemeni President Ali Abdallah Saleh in 2004 a MoU on strengthened consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, an Agreement on Promotion and Protection of Investments and an Agreement on the cooperation in the field of fight against organized crime have been signed.

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