ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The visiting Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Republic of Yemen Abdulmalik Abdul Jalil Al Mekhlafi met Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz in Islamabad on Monday.
During the meeting, they reviews bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Yemen in various areas besides discussing other issues of mutual interest.
They also reviewed progress concerning early release of three remaining Pakistani prisoners in Yemen and 12 Yemeni prisoners in Pakistan who have completed their sentences.
Welcoming the foreign minister, the adviser underlined the close coordination Pakistan and Yemen have maintained at the bilateral and multilateral levels in various areas. He said that Pakistan has always supported the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Yemen and would continue to extend all possible assistance for restoration of complete peace and stability in the country.
The adviser appreciated the efforts of the internationally recognized government of President Abd Rabu Mansour Al-Hadi towards restoration of peace, harmony and stability in the country. He also noted with satisfaction that these efforts had acquired control of over 80% territory of Yemen, hoping that with the international support situation in remaining parts of the country would also be brought under control.
Sartaj Aziz said that the menace of terrorism posed common threat in the region and could only be defeated through coordinated efforts by all countries.
The adviser on foreign affairs particularly thanked the Yemeni government for its assistance in recent release of seven Pakistani prisoners held in Yemeni jails.
The Yemeni foreign minister thanked the adviser for Pakistan’s continued political support and economic assistance to Yemen.
The foreign minister also briefed the adviser about the current situation in Yemen, the efforts by the government of Yemen to pursue the path of peace and reconciliation rather than conflict, as well as the success achieved so far in subduing the threat posed by terrorist networks in the country. Issues related to serious humanitarian situation in Yemen, suffering from serious food shortages anywhere in the world, was also discussed.
Mekhlafi also highlighted the efforts being undertaken by the Government to address the multiple security, political and economic challenges confronting Yemen.
Both sides noted that over 300 Yemeni students studying in various Universities in Pakistan under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme provide a strong bond to further strengthen friendship between the two countries.
The adviser on Foreign Affairs added that Pakistan would be happy to continue this important programme and provide more facilities to new students in the coming years.
