Yemeni President arrives in Pakistan on a 2-day visit

Islamabad, Apr 10: Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh was accorded a warm welcome when he arrived in Islamabad today on a two-day official visit after a gap of 19 years.

Pakistan President, General Pervez Musharraf set aside routine protocol and went to the Pakistan air force base in Rawalpindi to receive his Yemeni counterpart.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmud Kasuri traditionally receives all heads of government who visit Pakistan.

During the visit Mr Saleh will hold talks with General Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz followed by signing of agreements aimed to further boost trade ties between the two countries, whose annual trade stood at 62 million dollars in the fiscal 2004-05.

According to Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tasneem Aslam, the talks will focus on regional and international situation.

''The visit will provide an opportunity to carry forward discussions, President Musharraf had with his Yemeni counterpart during his visit to Yemen last December,'' she added.

UNI