Yemeni-Italian official talks held in Sana'a

SANA'A, Sep. 21 (Saba)- An official Yemeni-Italian talks session
held on Sunday in Sana'a co-chaired by Minister of Planning and
International Cooperation Abdul-Karim al-Arhabi and Italian
ambassador to Sana'a Mario Buffo.

The talks focused on a number of issues related to reinforcing
current cooperation between Yemen and Italia and putting framework
for bilateral cooperation between the two countries for the period
2009-2011.

The session also came across related issues to the Italian support
suggested for the project of biological diversity in Socotra
Archipelago as well as participation of the Italian side in
supporting efforts of the government to treat results of world price
hike of food, in addition to the current governmental efforts to
rebuild Saada for which the Italian government allocated €5 million.

The two sides discussed details regarding the Italian support for
Yemeni coastguards and cooperation in the field of higher education,
cultural heritage, food security.

In this regard, the minister praised concern of the Italian
government to support and reinforce cooperation ties with Yemen,
affirming keenness of Yemen to push cooperation frames with Italy
forward.

On the other hand, planning minister received the resident
representative of World Food Program Mohammed Kohen on the occasion
of ending his tenure in the country.

In the meeting, al-Arhabi praised the role played by Kohen in
reinforcing and developing current cooperation between Yemen and the
WFP, wishing him continuous success in his career.

For his part, Kohen expressed appreciation for the facilities
offered for him during his mission in Yemen.