President Saleh, Sarkozy hold summit

PARIS, June 25 (Saba)- President Ali Abdullah Saleh received here, on Monday, the French President Nicolas Sarkozy and thrashed out with him means to develop bilateral relations, cooperation areas and the ongoing partnership between Yemen and France on all political, economic, cultural, security and terror fighting fronts. They reviewed the latest regional and international developments of common concern, particularly situations in Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon, Somalia and the African Horn, in addition to France’s effective role in pushing peace process ahead. Sarkozy welcomed Saleh to France, pointing to friendship and cooperation ties that link both countries. He affirmed his country’s keenness to reinforce its bonds and cooperation with Yemen. The French President commended the growing development Yemen and France witness, making it clear that the French investment in Yemen contribute to reinforcing partnership collaboration. “We are interested to make Yemen a basic partner for France,” he said, confirming his country’s assistance for development and democracy process of Yemen as it would implement partnership accord of launching a bureau for the French Agency for Development in Sana’a in the few coming months. He lauded changes seen in Yemen under leadership of President Saleh in various domains such as policy, democracy, development and reforms, declaring that these changes are remarkable and worth appreciation. For his part, President Saleh re-congratulated Sarkozy for winning presidency of France and the public confidence. He expressed admiration for the Yemeni-French relations, affirming Yemen’s interest to reinforce and develop them. Saleh briefed the available investment opportunities in Yemen, calling French business operators to invest in the country with emphasis to offer all required support and facilitations. He spoke in favor of the French support for Yemen through direct or EU support. As far as situations of the region are concerned, President Saleh asserted the significance of France role in serving efforts of development and peace. AM/AM Saba