Yemen, US discuss enhancing military cooperation

Army Chief of Staff Ahmed al-Ashwal discussed on Friday with US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Stephen Seche the security and military cooperation between Yemen and the USA. Al-Ashwal praised the efforts USA makes to support Yemen's unity, security and stability. He pointed to the imminent conference of national dialogue, saying that shifting from conflict into dialogue will definitely help to achieve the Yemeni youths' aspirations through a new social bond to reach decisive solutions to tangled crises and challenges. Al-Ashwal talked about the bold decisions President Abdo Rabbo Mansour Hadi had made aiming to unify the military and security establishments in order to reinforce their capacities to encounter the current challenges. Seche said that Yemen under the leadership of President Hadi has made tangible progress in armed forces reorganization, which is one of the key terms of the Gulf initiative. The USA official reiterated his country's obvious commitment to support the Yemeni people and the transitional stage, looking forward to see the national dialogue to be convened on March 18 in a transparent and constructive climate. On the other hand, al-Ashwal held talks with Assistant to the USA President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa Monaco on the joint political and military cooperation in counterterrorism field. They also reviewed the progress achieved under the political settlement in Yemen. The Chief of Staff had paid a visit to USA Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling (JBAB), where he discussed with DIA's leaders several issues of common concerns.