President Saleh meets UK development minister

SANA’A, (Saba)- President Ali Abdullah Saleh received on Wednesday the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for International Development, Shahid Malik, who is currently visiting the country. In the meeting, President Saleh discussed with the UK minister fields of mutual cooperation between Yemen and the United Kingdom and means of supporting democracy and development in Yemen. Saleh also was briefed on the results of the minister’s meetings with Yemeniofficials which resulted in signing a long-term partnership agreement between the two countries. Under the agreement, Britain would offer $340 million to support development process in Yemen for period from 2007 to 2011. The agreement also stipulates a boom in the UK annual assistance to Yemen to $100 million starting from 2011. The British minister highlighted the good level of the Yemeni-UK ties and democracy in Yemen, pointing out to the efforts of Yemen in fighting terror. He affirmed support of his country for democracy and development in Yemen. President Saleh praised the Yemeni-UK relations, appreciating the British support for Yemen and role of the kingdom in London Donors Conference which was held last November, 2006. AH/AM SABA