US says Saleh's visit focuses on cooperation

The April 3-4 visit of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to Washington "reflects the commitment of both governments to work closely together to assure continued democratic and economic development in Yemen," a White House statement said yesterday.

"The United States commends Yemen for its democratic achievements, including guaranteeing through its constitution women's right to full political and economic participation," the statement said.

The statement said Yemen "expressed its appreciation for the United States' assistance in the fields of democratization and economic reform, health care, higher education and demining." It also noted food assistance and the proposed continuation of a USAID education and training program.

"The United States pledged it will continue to do its utmost to assist the Republic of Yemen as it faces the challenges of the twenty-first century. To further their economic and commercial relations, the two sides look forward to continuing their discussions on a bilateral investment treaty and ways to encourage investment by American companies in Yemen," the statement said.

It added that the topics addressed during the visit between Saleh, his delegation and US President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and other officials included the Middle East peace process, the "plight of the Iraqi people," and peace and stability in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa.

It noted that the visit came in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of Yemen's unity on May 22.