Yemen, France agreed to combat piracy acts

SANA'A, Oct. 20 (Saba)- Minister of Interior Mutahar Rashad al-Masri
met on Monday Vice Admiral Gerard Valin commander of the French
Forces in the Maritime Zone of the Indian Ocean.

During the meeting al-Masri hailed efforts being exerted by France
to preserve international peace and security, pointing out the
growing strong relations between Yemen and France in security fields
in general and in coast guard, in particular.

The meeting focused on securing navigation in the Red Sea and Aden
Gulf. Al-Masri confirmed the necessity to avoid piracy acts,
pointing out the huge efforts being exerted by Yemen to secure
international marine navigation route.

The Minister called international community members to support
peace efforts in Somalia and support Somali government to carry out
its responsibility and its national and international tasks.

During the meeting, a joint agreement was signed to set up
infrastructure of coast guards in Maoun Island including marine
dockyard, in addition to discussing security cooperation aspects
between Yemen and France.

On his side, the French official hailed efforts being exerted by
Yemen to secure marine navigation route, particularly efforts
exerted by Coast Guard Authority. He showed French readiness to
provide experiences and consultations to Coast Guard Authority to
enable it to strengthen its capabilities and skills.