U.S. to intensify co-op with Yemen on security, development

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met Thursday with Yemeni counterpart Abu Bakr Abdullah al-Kurbi, pledging intensified support to the country.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Clinton said the two had a "very open and productive conversation," as the countries face a common threat from violent extremism.

She pledged U.S. support to improve Yemen's capacity to deliver vital services, control its borders, and conduct effective counterterrorist activities.

"To combat this growing threat, the United States will intensify its cooperation with Yemen on both security and development," she said. "Yemen has demonstrated a willingness and a capacity to take action against al-Qaida and other extremist groups, and the United States commends these actions."

Clinton said the United States will bring on board other nations to aid Yemen in order to relieve its internal stresses. She also urged Yemen to "make the tough choices" to improve governance, reform economy, protect human rights, combat corruption, and create a better environment for business and investment.

Al-Kurbi said he reaffirmed Yemen's commitment to continue the fight against terrorism and radicalization, and pleaded for more help as "Yemen did not have the resources to implement" crucial reforms.

Yemen has become a hotbed for militancy and extremism in recent years, as al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula has gained a foothold in the country. The network has killed dozens of Yemenis in recent years, as well as trained and equipped the Christmas Day airline bomber, Nigerian national Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab.