President receives French foreign minister

SANA'A, Feb. 21 (Saba)-President Ali Abdullah Saleh received on
Saturday French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner who is currently
in official visit to Yemen.

President Saleh discussed with the French minister aspects of the
mutual cooperation between Yemen and France, especially in fields of
energy, gas and combating terror and piracy.

They also reviewed current developments in the Middle East
particularly the Palestinian issue as well as efforts of setting up
independent Palestinian state.

International efforts of combating piracy and Iranian nuclear file
were discussed.

President Saleh said that the only way to combating piracy is a
support of the new Somali government and rebuilding state
corporations in the African country.

He also pointed out to the efforts of Yemen in facing acts of piracy
including an initiative of setting up a regional center for
combating piracy, affirming importance of issuing an international
resolution for combating such act.

President Saleh also highlighted role of France in pushing the peace
process in the region forwards.

The French minister appreciated of France for efforts of Yemen to
support the Somali government and combating piracy.

He confirmed concern of his country to enhance its ties with Yemen
and support of the development and democracy in the country.