Wednesday, May 7, 2008, Rabi-ul-Sani 30, 1429    

Musharraf, Gilani for close ties with Yemen

M S Tanvir/Sharafat Kazmi

Islamabad—President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani have called for closer bilateral ties between Pakistan and Yemen in various areas, particularly in the economic and trade fields.
They expressed these views while talking to the Yemeni minister for industries and trade Dr Yahya Y Al Mutawakel who made separate calls on the two leaders.
The President said, “there is great potential for enhanced collaboration between Pakistan and Yemen in all areas. He said, Pak-Yemen Business Council will be launched soon and it will serve as a catalyst for forthcoming trade and investment meeting between the two countries.
President Musharraf recalled his visit to Yemen in 2005 and said the two countries can collaborate particularly in the fields of pharmacy and surgical instruments besides cooperation in agriculture and livestock sectors.
The President also called for exchange of business delegations and participation in exhibitions. President Musharraf also mentioned the student exchange program between the two countries under which Yemeni students are being provided scholarships in medical and engineering universities.
The President said relations between Pakistan and Yemen were deep-rooted and were instrumental in enhancing their economic cooperation. The Yemeni minister referred to the setting up of Science and Technology universities in the country and said these would be serve as a great incentive for its students in offering international standard of education at affordable cost.
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said unanimity of views and peopale to people contacts between Pakistan and Yemen have facilitated to strengthen the bilateral relations.
He expressed the confidence that the meeting of the 5th Joint Commission of the two countries would be fruitful to further promote diplomatic and economic ties between the two brotherly countries.