Yemeni prime minister in Damascus for talks

Jan 27, 2007, 14:45 GMT

Damascus - Yemeni Prime Minister Abdulaqader Bajmal arrived Saturday in Damascaus for a three-day visit and meetings of the joint Syrian-Yemeni Higher Committee to boost the two countries' bilateral cooperation.

Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ottari met Bajmal at Damascus airport and said the meeting was a 'translation of Syrian and Yemeni wishes to strengthen relations and cement these developed relations.'

In his statements which was carried by Syria's official news agency SANA, Ottari added that the meetings could form 'a title for Arab economic integration' especially in this critical stage of the Arab life, Ottari said.

Bajmal stressed Yemen's 'keenness on developing relations with Syria in all fields and make these relations special and developed.'

During the meetings, some 16 agreements in various fields are to be signed between the two countries.

Trade between Syria and Yemen currently is running at some 25 million dollars per year, with the balance in favour of Syria.

The Yemeni delegation includes ministers of industry, information, trade, Social Affairs and work, youth and sport, and fisheries.