Saleh receives Italian ambassador to Sana’a

SANA’A, May 14 (Saba)- President Ali Abdullah Saleh received on Thursday the Italian ambassador to Yemen Mario Buffo. During the meeting, they discussed a number of issues of concern to both countries as well as joint cooperation fields between Yemen and Italy such as coastguards and fighting sea piracy. The Italian ambassador said that his country is concerned to reinforce and improve its relations with Yemen in different areas, pointing out to finalizing the project radar system and ships navigation to support Yemen Coastguard Authority. He also referred to the possibility to establish a regional center in Yemen to combat marine piracy in addition to the current cooperation between the two countries in the area of defense and security, making clear that Italy is going to approve the 2nd phase of the radar system project and supporting coastguards. Buffo renewed Italy’s supportive stance towards Yemen’s unity, security and stability, noting that the unified Yemen is very important to Europe and security and stability in the region. He made clear that Italy will adopt supporting Yemen during the next meetings of the G8, the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council to support Yemen politically and financially and reinforce its abilities in different arenas. For his part, President Saleh noted the strong Yemeni-Italian relations, pointing out that these relations are cooperative and historical. He affirmed concern of Yemen to reinforce ties with Italy in various fields, renewing welcome for Italian investment in Yemen and affirmed that the Italian investment will be given all required support and care to achieve joint interests of the two friend countries. AM/AM Saba