[12 December 2007]

SANA'A, Dec. 12 (Saba)- Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Abdul-Karim al-Arhabi discussed on Wednesday with a delegation of Italian Manuscripts Institute headed by manager of the institute cooperation between Yemen and Italy in the field of heritage and preserving manuscripts as well as making use of Italian expertise in this field.

The two parts also dealt with aspects of training and qualifying Yemeni cadres in field of protecting manuscripts and agreed initially on establishing a Yemen-Italian center for preserving heritage in Sana'a.

In the meeting, al-Arhabi confirmed keenness of Yemeni government on making use of Italian expertise in protecting antique manuscripts, noting the importance of qualifying Yemeni technical cadres in this field.

For its part, Italian delegation expressed admiration of the historical wealth Yemen has, confirming readiness of the institute to provide all support needed for protecting Yemeni manuscripts.

MS/AM

Saba