Yemeni-American Relations

 

A Responsible Partnership

 

Political and diplomatic relations between Yemen and the United States date back to 1946. These relations were reinforced in 1959 with the establishment of the first U.S. resident mission in the city of Taiz.

The USA was one of the first countries in the West, to recognize the proclamation of the Arab Republic of Yemen of (1962). The John F. Kennedy Administration announced its support for the new republic on December 19, 1962.

The crisis of 1967's Arab-Israeli War resulted in a cooling of diplomatic relations between the United States and all the Arab countries, including Yemen.

Relations were re-established on July 1972 on the occasion of an official visit to Sana'a of the then secretary of State William Rogers.

In December 1967, Washington recognized the independence of South Yemen from Britain and announced its intention to open a resident mission. Washington's plan to establish a resident mission in Aden was discarded given the political tendencies that prevailed in Southern Yemen at that time.

American relations with Yemen continued on a positive and progressive course. In less than 20 years, Americans had begun to take more notice of Yemen. From 1979 to 1991 Officials from both sides exchanged visits. One of these significant visits was taken by the then Vice President George Bush in April 1987. His visit coincided with the official announcement of the Oil discoveries in the fields of Mareb by Hunt-Texas Oil Company. Under Bush's Administration, relations between the two nations were at an all time high.

In January 1990, HE President Ali Abdullah Saleh made his first official visit to the USA just a few months before the proclamation of the Yemeni Unity. The visit contributed to the progressive character of our bilateral cooperation.

But once again, regional events would cause a temporary set-back in the budding relation.

The emergence of crisis and confrontations during the second Gulf War overshadowed the development of Yemeni-American relations. The position taken by the Republic of Yemen regarding the occupation of Kuwait by Iraq was misinterpreted. Consequently, in the years that followed, Yemen Intensified its diplomatic efforts to clarify its position and reverse the distorted image that hindered its relations with the U.S. during the Gulf Crisis.

In mid-nineties the Yemeni-American relations overcame the Gulf Crisis. Washington demonstrated favorable intentions concerning Yemen. That became evident when the U.S. fully supported the Yemeni unity against the failed Separatist attempt in the summer of 1994. The U.S. also acknowledged Yemen for its efforts regarding democratic orientation, freedom of the press, parliamentary elections of 1993-1997 as well as its manifest backing of Economic and Financial Reforms with the cooperation of the IMF and the World Bank.

The late nineties witnessed significant intensification of the bilateral interest of both countries. Senior officials from the State Departments, Defense Departments, and parliamentarians from both countries exchanged visits.

American governmental and non-governmental institutions such as the National Democratic Institute for International relations (NDI), the International Foundation for Elections Systems (IFES), have developed a relation of partnership with the Yemeni Government in order to support its democratic experience.

As a culmination to to these efforts Yemen was selected in 1999 to host the first international conference of Emerging Democracies (Click for more information) under the patronage and support of NDI, USA, Britain, Japan, Holland and the UN. The conferences demonstrated the seriousness of Yemeni Emerging Democracy.

 

April 2000: A historical visit of the Yemeni President to the U.S.

 

 

The second working official visit of H.E. Ali Abdullah Saleh to the USA from 3/30 to 4/4/2000 constituted a historical step in the process of cementing the strong Yemeni-American cooperation. During the visit, which came after an invitation from President Clinton, H.E. the President was hosted at the American official guest residence, the Blair House.

 

The President had fruitful talks with President Bill Clinton, and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. And was received at the Organization of American States where he addressed its General Assembly on developments in Yemen and the Middle East. H.E. also visited the World Bank headquarters and met with Mr. Wilfonson, President of the World Bank.

 

During his working official visit, H.E. Ali Abdullah Saleh met with leaders from the American Congress, the administration, and the defense department. He also discussed with the director of the CIA means of cooperation between the two countries in fighting terrorism.

The White House released a statement on the visit (Click for more information), expressing its support for the Democracy and economic reforms in the Republic of Yemen. The American administration confirmed its appreciation for Yemen's continuing efforts to contribute to peace and stability in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.

The United States commended Yemen for guaranteeing through its constitution women's full political and economic participation.

 

 

November 2001: An important visit by the Yemeni President to the United States 
His Excellency, Ali Abdullah Saleh, President of the Republic of Yemen, visited Washington, D.C. on November 25-27, 2001, at the invitation of President George W. Bush. The highly anticipated visit was greatly welcomed by the U.S. Furthermore, it was a sign of increased cooperation between the two countries. During the visit, President Saleh met with President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Colin Powell, and other senior officials of the Administration. In his meetings, President Saleh was accompanied by Mr. Abubaker Abdulla Alquirbi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Abdullah Ali Aliwah, Minister of Defense, Mr. Ghaleb M. Al-Gamish, Chairman of Central Organization for Political Security, Mr. Abdaullah Hussein Al-Basheri, State Minister Secretary General of the Presidency, and H.E. Ambassador Abdulwahab Al-Hajjri.

The President’s visit came during a critical time, following the September 11th terrorist attacks on the U.S. and as part of the international efforts to combat terrorism. It also came to reflect the commitment of both governments to work closely together to improve bilateral relations.
President Saleh reiterated Yemen’s condemnation of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the U.S. and Yemen’s denunciation of all forms of terrorism. He also emphasized that the terrorist attacks on the U.S. had a negative impact on the world community. The two parties discussed continued security cooperation between Yemen and the U.S., their joint efforts to combat terrorism and Yemen’s role as a principal partner in the coalition against terrorism. The U.S administration commended Yemen for it’s invaluable assistance in the ongoing investigation of the U.S.S. Cole bombing and it expressed its appreciation for Yemen’s efforts to uproot terrorism.

The two sides discussed topics of mutual interest and concern such as the recent developments in Afghanistan. President Saleh expressed his concern and hope that the military action in Afghanistan does not exceed its borders and spread to other parts of the Middle East, igniting further instability in the region.
On the topic of the Arab-Israeli conflict, President Saleh praised the U.S.’s support of the establishment of an independent Palestinian State. He emphasized the importance of establishing a timetable and a mechanism to ensure the implementation of all U.N resolutions (regarding the conflict) as well as the Mitchell Plan, in order to reach a just and lasting peace. Such peace, he stated, will promote stabilization in the region and thus prevent the use of this conflict in the recruitment of future terrorists.
Both sides exchanged views on Iraq and discussed the current situation of the Arab and Islamic communities in the U.S. since September 11th.

The President received at his place of residence FBI director Mr. Robert Mueller and Director of the CIA Mr. George Tenet. During the meeting the two sides discussed the joint cooperation in the U.S.S. Cole investigation and how to improve cooperation between the two sides in security and intelligence issues.

 During his visit President Saleh met Mr. Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank and Mr.Horst Kohler of the IMF. They discussed economic and development projects to Yemen. Yemen was praised for the steps it has taken in its economic reform program. The World Bank and IMF will continue to work with Yemen in a number of areas such as Yemen’s implementation of the economic and financial structural reforms, the establishment of a Yemeni stock market, debt reduction and poverty eradication to name a few. In addition President Saleh and his delegation met with representatives of American and Canadian Oil Companies currently working in Yemen as well as those interested in setting up operations in Yemen.

He also met with a delegation representing the Arab American and Islamic communities in the U.S as well as representatives of the Yemeni community. He discussed with them the state of affairs in the Middle East following the Sept 11th terrorist attacks, the war in Afghanistan, issues faced by the community after September 11thand how to address them.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh
Visit to the United States of America
New York, Sea Island (G8) Summit and Washington, DC
June 8-13 2004

According to the United States Department of State, “Currently, Yemen is an important partner in the global war on terrorism, providing assistance in the military, diplomatic, and financial arenas. President Ali Abdullah Saleh visited Washington, DC , in November 2001. Since that time, Yemen has stepped up its counter-terrorism cooperation efforts with the United States, achieving significant results and improving overall security in Yemen.”

In June 2004, President Saleh was invited to attend the G-8 Sea Island Summit in the Southern American sState of Georgia. After attending the Summit, President Saleh traveled to Washington D.C., where he was scheduled to meet prominent government officials. The Summit was an excellent forum for Yemen to share its democratic reform experiences;, and Yemen has agreed to participate in future activities detailed in the Sea Island doctrineagreement.

During his Vvisit, President Saleh met with H.E. Mr. Kofi Annan the U.N. Secretary-General H.E. Mr. Kofi Anan., The Honorable Dick Richard Cheney Vice President of the United States of America, The Honorable Donald Rumsfeld Secretary of Defense and other high-ranking officials.
Following the Summit, President Ali Abdullah Abdulallah Saleh stated to the media, “I'm satisfied by the outcome of our participation in the G-8 summit. The G-8 summit provided us with a chance to present Yemen’s viewpoints on topics included in the agenda of the summit,; mainly reforms in the Middle Eeast.”
The 3-day summit, scheduled in the event venue ofconvevened at Sea Island (a resort off venue off the Georgia coast) is likelywas due to discuss the global economy and Middle East issues. In his meetings with world leaders and President Bush, President Saleh underlined the importance of implementing those reforms through development projects by supporting poor countries to fight poverty. He also said that those reforms should be linked to the settlement of Arab-Israeli conflict by implementing the roadmap strategic plan and by enforcing international resolutions dictating the establishment of the Palestinian “independent” state. President Saleh stated that reform should come from within, not imposed from outside. President Saleh confirmed the importance of the UN role in moving the peace process in the region. “We underlined the role of the United Nations to put an end to tensions in the world and sustaining peace and stability in the Middle East,” the President proclaimed.

On the morning of the 8th of June 8th 2004, The Honorable George Tenet Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) paid President Saleh a visit at his lodging quarters. Aspects of bilateral security and intelligence cooperation were discussed in the brief meeting. Tenet praised the level of Yemeni’s cooperation on the ongoing campaign to fight terrorism. He reassured his government’s willingness to strengthen the Yemeni-US partnership on the war on terror. The CIA Director pointed out that Yemen is considered to be one of the most strategic countries for American National Security. He also appreciated the great stance of President Ali Abdullah Saleh stating, “He (Saleh) is a brave and wiser leader of a wiser decision”. On his part, President Saleh reaffirmed Yemen's position supporting global efforts to fight and curb terrorism, calling it “a dangerous epidemic threatening the stability and security of the entire world. President Saleh renewed Yemen's demand to extradite Mohammed Ali Alal- MoayyadMouayed, Mohammed Zaid, Abdul Rahman Al- Amoudi, Abdul Salam Al-Haila and the Yemenis detainees detained in Guantanamo.

Following the meeting with the Director of the CIA, The Honorable Robert Mueller Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) met with President Saleh in his pPrivate qQuarters to discuss bilateral efforts in the ongoing war on terror. MrDirector. Mueller praised Yemen's “achieved success in “uprooting the scourge,” adding that Yemen is among the pioneering countries of the region in winning the battles against terrorism. President Saleh, in return, said that Yemen has reaffirmed to stay the course and support the international efforts in this realm. He, however, renewed Yemen's demands of the extradition of Sheikh M. Aal-Moayyad, his personal aid Mohammed Zayed, Abdul-Rahman Aal-Amoudi, Abdul-Salam al-Heelah and all Yemeni detainees in Guantanamo.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh also received on Tuesday Mr. Rowdier Jo RasowRodrigo de Rato, Managing Director of International Monetary Fund (IMF). The meeting focused on cooperation between Yemen and the IMF on projects supervised and funded by the Agency. The IMF official praised achievements of the financial and administrative reforms in Yemen. President Saleh appreciated the role of the fund in supporting developmental projects and programs for financial reforms in Yemen. He confirmed Yemen’s willingness to continue the reform programs and extend bilateral cooperation with IMF.

In addition to the IMF meeting President Ali Abdullah Saleh held talks with the General Manager of the World Bank, Mr. Shing Man Zhang of the World Bank concerning issues between Yemen and the bank. They discussed the World Bank projects in Yemen aiding the effort to reform the financial and administrative structure of the Yemeni Government. The WB official praised Yemen's steady march in the fields of developmental and pledged further World Bank support for development and economic reforms in Yemen.

On the early morning of the 8th of June 8th 2004, President Ali Abdullah Saleh visited the Pentagon (DOD) to meet the Honorable Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense. The meeting focused on relations of bilateral cooperation between the Yemeni Armed Forces and the American Military and their ongoing efforts to win the war on terror. Rumsfeld expressed his satisfaction on the high level of cooperation between the two nation’s armed forces especially since the tragic events of 9/11. The Secretary of Defense assured his government’s willingness to expand US support for Yemen’s coast guard and military training.
The Honorable Ms. Ann Veneman, Secretary of Agriculture Ms. Ann Veneman, received President Saleh, accompanied by his official delegation in at the Department of Agriculture. , at the main office on Independence Avenue. Aspects of American Food Aid were discussed in the meeting in particular, the Saella project and the building of fishing ports at a total cost of US$ 200 million five years ago. The Agriculture Secretary Veneman highlighted the level of cooperation between Yemen and United States and efforts of Yemen in fighting terror. Following the meeting, President Saleh attended a signing ceremony of the Food Aid Agreement offered by the United States to Yemen, estimated at $ 36 million. Foreign Mminister Dr. Abu Bakr Aal-Qirbi inked the agreement with the US Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman. The aid package includeds 10 thousand tons of milk, 13,500 tons of flour and 44 tons of wheat. The goods would be sold on the market and the revenue from sales will be channeled towards developmental programs in rural areas of Yemen. President Saleh valued US aid to Yemen, pointing out the current partnership between the two countries in different fields.

On Wednesday June 9th 2004, at the White HouseIn his “Working Visit” to Washington D.C., President Saleh met with the Honorable Dick Cheney, Vice President of the United States of America. BThe meeting occurred midday Wednesday, June 9th 2004, in the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. Both leaders discussed bilateral relations and cooperation in political, economic and security arenas. President Saleh initiated discussion regarding the latest developments in the region, especially issues related to Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan. President Saleh acquainted the US Vice President with Yemen's vision in settling security and stability in Iraq and resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. The two sides confirmed their common interest to strengthen bilateral cooperation and enhancing the current partnership between the two countries at various levels. Mr. Cheney valued Yemen's efforts in fighting terror and its support for the international efforts in this ongoing global campaign. He appreciated the democratic movement in Yemen and the political and economic reforms. On his part, President Saleh valued US support for democracy in Yemen, pointing out the great accomplishments achieved in Yemen in the field of democracy and political and economic reforms. He made it clear that Yemen adopted both political and economic reforms since 1990.

On the 10th of June 10th 2004, President Saleh met with The Honorable Colin Powell, Secretary of State in Washington DC at the headquarters of The United States Department of State.e Department on C Street in Washington D.C. In the meeting, aspects of mutual cooperation between Yemen and the United States in economic and political issues, as well as cooperation in fighting terrorism were discussed. The President and the Secretary of State discussed current developments in the regional and international arenas. They also discussed a draft plan for reforms in the region and important outcomes of the G-8 summit that was being held in Sea Island in the State of Georgia. Mr. Powell highlighted the development of the Yemeni-American relations and the achievements of the Yemeni Government in the sphere of democracy and political reforms. The Secretary of State presented his appreciation for Yemen's participation in the summit and its efforts in the fight to combat terrorism.
On the other hand, President Saleh underscored the importance of making reforms and development, stating “it goes hand in hand with aiding undeveloped countries”. He also underlined the necessity of achieving peace in the region and implementing the Roadmap and international resolutions dealing with Arab-Israeli conflict. “We assured the U.S. officials that the path to the just and comprehensive peace in the region is based on the establishment of the Palestinian state," President Saleh was quoted in a press briefing. President Saleh stated his talks with The Secretary of State overviewed bilateral relations and joint efforts to curb terrorism along with the efforts to fight poverty and carry on with political reforms.

On Friday, the 11th of June 11th, 2004, President Ali Abdullah Saleh, together with a number of World Leaders,Leaders attended the Funeral of the Former United States President Ronald Reagan. Ronald Wilson Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, was an actor, politician and American icon. President Reagan died on June 5 at his home in Bel Air district, Los Angeles following a long time illness. Ten years ago, the former president announced that he was suffering from Alzheimer's disease. The National Washington Cathedral hosted the funeral ceremony and President Saleh was observeding the Ceremony from the front row of the cathedral.

President Ali Abdullah Saleh departed to Sana’a on Sunday the 13th of June 13th 2004.

The Working Visit of H.E. President Ali Abdullah Saleh
(November 9 - 10, 2005)

On the evening of Tuesday November 8th, 2005, President Ali Abdullah Saleh arrived at Andrews Air Force Base (located in Maryland on the outskirts of Washington, DC). The President’s welcoming committee included representatives from the US Department of State, Air Force Commanders, and members of the Embassy. The President was also received with a warm welcome from the Yemeni Immigrant Community who poured in from as far away as San Francisco, California to Brooklyn, New York. The President was accompanied by a prominent government delegation, which included:
Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Mr. Ahmed Sofan; Foreign Minister Dr. Abu Bakr Al-Qirbi; Interior Minister Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi; the Minister of Industry and Trade Mr. Khalid Rajeh Sheikh; and the Minister of State, Mr. Abdullah Al-Bashiri.

In a statement obtained by the Embassy’s Media Office, the White House announced that "President Bush will welcome President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen to the White House on November 10"."The two leaders will discuss a range of bilateral issues, including the President's Freedom Agenda and cooperation on the war on terrorism."
President Saleh was invited to stay at the historical and prestigious Blair House, which is adjacent to the White House.On the morning of November 9th 2005, President Saleh met with Senior Officials from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the United State Agency for International Development (USAID). The President discussed with
Ambassador John J. Danilovich (CEO of the MCC) Yemen’s efforts and stance to reach the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, and the development objectives set by the MCC. President Saleh affirmed the importance of supporting efforts exerted to reduce poverty rates, unemployment, corruption and to enhance rights and freedoms.
Mr. Danilovich expressed the willingness of the MCC to continue in cooperation with the Yemeni government to realize goals set forth by the MCC.

President Saleh also met with the Honorable Mr. Andrew S. Natsios (former Administrator of USAID). During the meeting, both parties discussed bilateral cooperation between the agency and the government of Yemen. The Yemeni Government expressed its appreciation for the aid projects financed by USAID in Yemen.
Following the meetings at Blair House, President Saleh (accompanied by the official delegation) visited the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, where he met with Mr. Paul Wolfowitz, President of the World Bank and Mr. Rodrigo Rato, Managing Director of the IMF. They discussed various economic and development matters. Yemen was praised for the steps it has taken in its economic reform program. The World Bank and IMF continue to work with Yemen in a number of areas such as Yemen’s implementation of the economic and financial structural reforms, the establishment of a Yemeni stock market, debt reduction and poverty eradication to name a few.
Later that day, President Saleh and his delegation met with representatives of American and Canadian Oil Companies that are currently operating in Yemen.

On the evening of Wednesday November 9th, President Saleh held talks with the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the State Department Headquarters. In their discussion, they talked of ways to reinforce bilateral relations and mutual cooperation between Yemen and United States. They also discussed the topic of strengthening cooperation, especially in fighting terror and improving democracy in the region. Both parties exchanged viewpoints over the current situations in the Middle East and the African Horn in the hope to formulate a peace plan in that volatile region. Secretary Rice spoke favorably about Yemen's achievement in democracy and in fighting terror, confirming the USA’s desire to improve its cooperation with Yemen. President Saleh asserted Yemen’s interest in developing its relations with the USA in different fields, pointing out the reform program in Yemen and its crucial role in combating terrorism.

On the morning of November 10th, Mr. Robert Mueller (Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation) met with President Saleh at the Blair House. President Saleh renewed Yemen's demands of the extradition of Sheikh M. Al-Moayyad, his personal aid Mohammed Zayed, Abdul-Rahman al-Amoudi, Abdul-Salam al-Heelah and all Yemeni detainees being held at Guantanamo. The President also requested the removal of Sheikh Abdul Majeed Al-Zindani’s name from the “terror funding list” of the US Government.

Following the meeting with the FBI, President Saleh met with Mr. Stephen Hadley (National Security Advisor) and Ambassador John D. Negroponte (Director of National Intelligence). In the meeting, both parties discussed bilateral relationships and means of developing cooperation between Yemen and United States. President Saleh lauded the mutual security cooperation and coordination in fighting terror, and expressed his wish for further cooperation in this regard. Meanwhile, Mr. Hadley expressed the US Government’s satisfaction over mutual coordination in the area of security with Yemen, praising Yemen's efforts in combating terrorism and supporting international efforts in this field. “Cooperation of Yemen in the security field would help in reinforcing the Yemeni-American relations,” he added.

To culminate the final day of the official visit, President George W. Bush received President Ali Abdullah Saleh at the White House. Foreign Minister Dr. Abu-Bakr Al-Qirbi stated that this visit would gain a special importance to develop and broaden the political, economic and security relations, and to reinforce cooperation in training towards anti-terrorism. He pointed out that the US government highly considers Yemen's achievements in political stability and human rights, which would result in the US support for development works in addition to improving military training performance.

President Saleh held talks with President Bush in the Oval Office. Both leaders discussed aspects of enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries. They also discussed coordination efforts over fighting terror, as well as improving democracy in the region. Both leaders exchanged viewpoints over the latest developments in the region, especially the ongoing tense situations in Palestine, Iraq as well as Syria. President Saleh confirmed importance of the US role in the peace process in the region. Regarding developments in Syria, President Saleh pointed out the need for direct dialogue between United States and Syria in cooperation with the UN and Resolutions to serve security and stability in the region. He wished for the achievement of peace and security in Iraq by allowing all Iraqi parties to build a democratic and independent Iraq. For his part, the US President Bush praised Yemeni-American ties and Yemen's efforts in fighting terror. “Yemen is an active partner in combating terror”, Bush said, further more, The Honorable President Bush expressed his administration’s interest in enhancing its partnership with Yemen by supporting Yemen’s democratic momentum and development strategies. President Bush hosted a luncheon event in honor of his visiting guest; President Ali Abdullah Saleh. In attendance were select members of the United States Cabinet and representatives of the Yemeni delegation.

 

His Excellency President Ali Abdullah Saleh's Visit to Washington (April 30 - May 4 2007)

President Saleh traveled to Washington, DC for a two-day visit to enhance bilateral relations between Yemen and the United States. Saleh arrived at the Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland and was greeted by its base commander and various representatives of Yemeni expatriates in addition to the staff of the Yemeni Embassy in Washington.


“We plan to discuss with President [George W.] Bush and officials in the U.S. administration ways to enhance the bilateral relations and cooperation between our two countries in all fields,” Saleh told reporters upon his arrival.

This is Saleh’s fourth meeting with President Bush since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the U.S.

On the morning of April 30th, President Saleh began his eventful day with the Managing Director (MD) of the International Monetary Fund, Mr. Rodrigo De Rato, at the Blair House. In a report obtained by .the Yemeni News Agency, the meeting discussed projects financed by the IMF in Yemen as well as reforms made by the Yemeni government in the economic, financial, and administrative sectors.

President Saleh received the Acting Administrator of US Agency for International Development (USAID), Gordon West. During their meeting, Yemeni News Agency reported that cooperation and developmental projects in Yemen financed by the USAID were discussed.

In the early afternoon, President Saleh met with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Robert Mueller at the Blair House. The Yemeni News Agency wrote that the two leaders conversed about the cooperation between Yemen and the USA's security, particularly in combating terror. Mueller recognized Yemen's own successes in combating terror.

President Saleh then met with the senior advisors to the World Bank expressing the importance of their support to the improvement of Yemen's economy. The World Bank's president at the time, Paul Wolfowitz, discussed the bank's aid in developmental projects including assistance in judicial, economic, financial, administrative reforms. Wolfowitz congratulated Yemen on its progress of reform such as combating corruption and its measures taken to join the International Transparency Initiative on Petroleum Excavation.

President Saleh's first day came to a close in the meeting with the House Intelligence Committee which was represented by the Chairman Mr. Slyvestre Reyes, Mr. Robert Cramer, Mr. John Tierney, Mr. Mike Thompson, Mr. Dutch Ruppersberger, Mr. Rush Holt, Mr. Peter Hoekstra, Mr. Mike Rogers, and Mr. Darrell Issa. President Saleh and the MPs conversed about the mutual relations and terms of joint cooperation between Yemen and the US, particularly in the war against terrorism.

On May 1st, 2007, President Saleh began his second day of meetings with the Speaker of Congress, Nancy Pelosi. The two communed about the mutual relations between the US and Yemen particularly in fighting terrorism. President Saleh and Nancy Pelosi further discussed the current regional and international developments and the Arab peace initiative within the Middle East.

President Salah then met with the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Michael McConnell, who said that Yemen is an active partner with the United States and international community in fighting terror.


Following the DNI, President Saleh met with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Gen. Michael V. Hayden. They too conversed about the bilateral relations and cooperation aspects between Yemen and USA, especially in security and terror fighting, as well as number of issues of common concern.

 President Ali Abdullah Saleh met in the afternoon with the Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The two discussed the cooperation between Yemen and United States in the political, economic, security sectors. Rice praised Yemen for its efforts and improvement in relation to democracy, reform, and fighting terror. She further expressed support to Yemen in facing the threats of Al Qadea and other terrorists. Finally, Rice acknowledged the success of the September 2007 elections in Yemen noting that they reflected a positive impression on Yemen's democracy.

Finally, President Saleh's day concluded with a meeting with US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. The US Defense Secretary expressed appreciation for efforts being exerted and successes achieved by Yemen in fighting terrorism in partnership with international community.

 

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