ADEN, Oct 08 (Saba) – The country coastguards and some of the French navy based in the international waters in the Arab Sea have started joint exercises.

These exercises, which will last for fifteen days, include trainings on how Yemeni coastguards can intercept ships and fight pirates.

They come within bilateral cooperation in the fight on terrorism and securing international sea lanes.

Piracy in the Gulf of Aden and off Somalia's coasts has been active because of civil conflict in Somalia.
Recently pirate attacks have increased with more than 30 ships seized off Somalia in this year, the latest was a Ukrainian vessel carrying about 33 72-T Russian tanks and other weapons said to be bound for Kenya.

French ambassador to Yemen Gilles Gauthier said the Yemeni-French relations have witnessed development particularly after the London donor conference held in 2006.

Gauthier praised Yemen's efforts in fighting terrorism, pointing out that the fight against terror is a complicated matter as few terrorists cause huge problems for countries.

He said countries must continue the fight on terror because this phenomenon affects economy and development.
FR