Pakistan, Yemen seal trade, security accords

SANA’A (Yemen)—Pakistan and Yemen Tuesday signed agreements to boost cooperation in the fields of security, economic and education as President General Pervez Musharraf wrapped-up his three-day visit to the Gulf countries. The President and his Yemeni counterpart Ali Abdullah Saleh witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and three agreements after a brief one-on-one meeting here.
The MoU on cooperation in the fields of oil, gas and mineral exploration was signed by Minister of State for Petroleum Muhammad Naseer Mengal and his Yemeni counterpart. The three agreements pertain to cooperation in the fields of security, air transport and technical education and vocational training.
During their meeting, the two Presidents renewed commitment to diversify and enhance their ties, particularly in trade and economic sectors. They noted that signing of agreements would boost their relations to the mutual benefit of their countries.
President Ali Abdullah Saleh lauded President Musharraf for his critical role in maintaining world peace and particularly his firm stand on fighting international terrorism. President Musharraf reiterated Pakistan’s strong resolve to fight the menace in its long-term perspective. He also apprised the Yemeni leader of both short as well as long-term steps by the Pakistan government to stamp out extremism from the society.
The two leaders exchanged views on the revamping of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), whose members are meeting for an “extra-ordinary summit” in Makkah from December 7-8 to discuss restructuring of the 57- ember grouping. President Musharraf will represent Pakistan at the Summit.
The meeting also noted that the visit by President Musharraf was the first high-level bilateral interaction between the two countries in nearly fifteen years. The two leaders pledged to explore ways and means to increasing their ties in all fields with particular focus on trade and investment.
President Musharraf while noting increase in trade interaction over the last few years, however, pointed out that the two-way trade volume was well below the potential. Yemen’s exports from Pakistan currently hovers around 60 million dollars while its import to the country is negligible. Later talking to APP, Secretary Petroleum Ahmed Waqar said that the MoU on Oil and Gas will increase cooperation between the two countries.—APP