Saudi Arabia and Yemen yesterday began talks in Riyadh to strengthen mutual cooperation, to be concluded with the signing of eleven bilateral cooperation agreements.
Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Defence and Aviation, and Yemeni Prime Minister Abdul Qader Bajammal presided over a meeting of the Saudi-Yemeni Cooperation Council, which, among other things, called for greater cooperation to combat terrorism. “People throughout the world, especially those in Arab and Islamic countries, are looking forward to a world of peace and security where there will be no place for violence and terrorism,” Prince Sultan said.
Khaled Al-Akoue, Yemeni Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said that the meeting would be concluded with the signing of eleven agreements to promote political and economic cooperation between the two countries. He estimated Saudi investments in Yemen total over $400 million.
In his opening address, Prince Sultan highlighted the historic relations between Saudi Arabia and Yemen and said that Riyadh would exert utmost efforts to maintain these ties. He said that the two countries would continue their efforts to combat terrorism and protect their youths from being led astray.
Prince Sultan called for greater Arab and Islamic cooperation and unity to confront challenges. He also expressed hope that the Palestinian people would be able to establish their independent state and Iraq would retain its pivotal role in the Arab world.
Bajammal reaffirmed Yemen’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the latter’s fight against terrorism. “We will continue our cooperation with various security agencies to contain the terrorist threat: The security of the two countries is inter-linked,” the Yemeni Prime Minister said, quoting a statement by Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. “The long borders between the two countries demand greater security coordination. We are also looking forward to strengthening economic, commercial, investment and cultural cooperation to achieve a relationship of partners,” he added.
Source: SPA
