2009-10-19 19:55:34
Abu Dhabi, 19 Oct. 2009 (WAM) - General H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces received here today Brigadier Ahmed Ali Abdullah Saleh, Commander of the Yemeni Republican Guards and the Special Forces.

They discussed during the meeting fraternal ties between the two countries and ways to boost cooperation. Also discussed were current Arab and regional developments, as well as issues of mutual interest.

Sheikh Mohammed reiterated UAE's keenness on the unity, security and stability of Yemeni people.

Brigadier Ahmed Ali Abdullah Saleh praised UAE's stand by Yemen and its continuous support to the country's unity and development.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed received a letter from President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The meeting was attended by Lt. General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, and Abdullah Hussein Al Madfaie, UAE Ambassador to Yemen.

Afterwards, Sheikh Mohammed received Masayuki Naoshima, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, who is currently visiting UAE.

Sheikh Mohammed welcomed the Japanese minister and his accompanying delegation and discussed with him bilateral relations and ways to enhance them.

Sheikh Mohammed said the two countries enjoyed deep-rooted relations, particularly in the fields of oil. He expressed the hope that such cooperation would extend further to education, culture, technology and renewable energy.

Naoshima delivered an invitation to Sheikh Mohammed from Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama to visit Japan. Sheikh Mohammed accepted the invitation for the visit, the timing of which will be decided later.

The Japanese minister lauded the progress made by the UAE in all fields.

The meeting was attended by Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court and Tatsuo Watanabe, Ambassador of Japan to UAE.

WAM/MAB