President Saleh arrives in Paris

President Saleh arrives in Paris SANA’A, June 24 (Saba)- President Ali Abdullah Saleh arrived on Sunday at Orly International Airport, Paris, in an official visit to France. During the visit, president Saleh would hold talks with his French counterpart Nichlas Sarkozy over enhancing mutual cooperation between the two countries and the latest regional and international developments as well as issues of common concern. The president was welcomed by French ambassador to Yemen Gilles Gauthier, Yemen’s ambassador to France Amir al-Aidrus and a number of businessmen, students and the Yemeni community in France. In a statement to Saba, president Saleh expressed his happiness for visiting France by saying:” it is my pleasure to visit the Republic of France as a responce to an invitation extended by President Nicholas Sarkozy.” He added that the visit represents a chance for discussing, with president Sarkozy and other French officials, means of boosting cooperation, friendship and partnership between the two friendly countries. He also appreciated efforts of France in supporting development process in Yemen, welcoming French investments in Yemen. “Yemen has many promising investment opportunities for French companies and others to invest in”. Saleh said. He pointed out to the active role of France in promoting peace and development in the region. “We are looking forward of more active role for France under the new leadership to push the peace process and development forward and to exert pressure on Israel to comply with the Arab peace initiative as a base for realizing the fair and permanent peace in the Middle East.” He also pointed out to the current big project of Yemen Liquefied Natural Gas, leaded by the French Total company. MS/AH/TNSABA