The meeting focused on means of cooperation between Yemen and Italy particularly in the fight on piracy.

At the meeting, President Saleh praised support Italy provides for development in Yemen, affirming the bilateral relationship between the two countries is deep rooted.

For her part, Craxi affirmed the Italian government will continue to support development and democracy in Yemen, pointing to Italy’s commitment to provide necessary assistance for the Yemeni government to implement development reforms.

The meeting also brought up the latest developments in the area and reviewed the two countries views over these developments.

An Italian official delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister arrived in Sana’a on Monday. Upon arrival, Craxi said the main purpose of the visit is to hold meetings with Yemeni senior officials over soaring piracy off Somalia’s coast and in the Gulf of Aden.