France to grant Yemen 100 million euros [Archives:2007/1032/Local News]

SANA'A, March 10 ) The French government is to grant Yemen around 100 million Euros in order to enhance development in the country, French Minister for Cooperation, Development and Francophony, Brigitte Girardin announced.

In a press conference held Thursday, the French minister said the aid comes in the context of the distinctive relations which both countries enjoy, and pointed out that Yemen is listed among the countries which have a priority in France's international agenda.

She also noted that Yemen faces economic problems, and that this prompted France to extend assistance to help the country overcome its difficulties and benefit from France's experience.

The aid is due to cover the period 2007 to 2012, and involves infrastructure and agricultural projects, and it is in the form of interest-free loans. 40 million Euros will be paid this year in to projects set by the Yemeni government.

According to Girardin, Yemen favors France's attention, particularly after Yemen was included within the list of countries in which France has an interest, adding that she will exert great efforts to increase the volume of aid provided to the country over the coming five years.

Meanwhile, she announced that the French Development Agency (FDA) will open its bureau in Sana'a next September.

Girardin, who arrived Sana'a on Thursday, met with Yemeni Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Abdulkarim Al-Arhabi, wherein both sides signed an agreement on bilateral cooperation concerning issues relating to wise governance, enhancing the role of women in society, cultural diversity and scientific research.

Al-Arhabi said the visit comes in the context of the good relations between the two countries, and further aims to implement the decisions of the December 2006 summit involving President Saleh and French President Jacques Chirac.
——
[archive-e:1032-v:14-y:2007-d:2007-03-12-p:ln]