President Saleh meets French defense and foreign ministers

PARIS, April 14 (Saba)- President Ali Abdullah Saleh who is on an official visit to France held talks with the French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie here in Paris on Wednesday morning. They discussed the bilateral ties and exchange experiences between the ministries of defense of both countries. The French minister lauded Yemen’s efforts in fighting terrorism and contributing to the stability of the Horn of Africa. President Saleh expressed his appreciation of France’s support to Yemen in military and security vistas. Upon the conclusion of the talks, the French Minister stated to the Yemeni Space Channel that she was pleased to meet President Saleh. She said her country was reaffirmed to the continuity of cooperation with Yemen in security and military fields. Meanwhile, President Saleh met the French Minister of Foreign Affairs Michel Barnier on the bilateral relations and the quo status in the Mideast region especially the situations in Iraq and Palestine. Barnier said he was pleased to have his first meeting with an Arab President since he took office as a Foreign Minister early this month. President Saleh and the French minister reviewed Yemen’s perspective for resolving the issues of Iraq and Palestine as well as the United Nation’s role in realizing stability and peace in the region. Saleh spoke highly of the push of France and the other EU members for peace in the region. Recalling the US plan “Greater Middle East”, President Saleh said that any proposals for “reforms” in the region must depend on the satisfaction of its nations. After talks, the French minister stated to the Yemeni TV that President has great knowledge about the region’s situations and that his advices and viewpoints should be heard. President Saleh also met the Chairman of the French company of Dallas and its Regional President in the Middle East. They discussed the expansion of opportunities of cooperation. AA/NS SABA