Saleh visits US to discuss aid and security issues [Archives:2007/1044/Local News]

SANA'A, April 22 ) Preparations are continuing for the coming visit of President Ali Abdullah Saleh to the USA in May 2007 .The visit is a response to an invitation by US President, George W Bush, which aims to discuss Yemeni- American cooperation in different fields.

Diplomatic sources reported that the two parties will discuss security cooperation between Yemen and the U.S., and in particular Yemen's role as a principal partner in the coalition against terrorism. They will also discuss methods of boosting developmental steps and investment in Yemen.

The sources pointed out that this visit will be an important point in the path of bilateral relations between the U.S. and Yemen. The meeting is especially poignant as it is comes after Washington's decision of re-including Yemen in the Millennium Challenge Account. The account enables Yemen to obtain aid and annual support which contributes to a number of developmental projects in the country.

The two sides will focus on topics of mutual interest and concern, such as the recent developments in Palestine, Iraq, Somalia, and Darfur. Also, they will concentrate on the outcomes and recommendations of The Arab Summit, which convened in Riyadh on March 28 2007, and aimed to activate an Arab peace initiative with Israel

In the last visit of H.E. President Ali Abdullah Saleh, during November 2005, many issues were discussed, including Yemen's efforts to reach the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. In his visit, President Saleh affirmed the importance of enhancing human rights and supporting efforts to reduce poverty rates, unemployment, and corruption.

Political and diplomatic relations between Yemen and the United States date back to 1946. Those relations were reinforced in 1959 with the establishment of the first U.S.

Resident Mission in the city of Taiz.
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