Obama: Conclusion of Yemen talks a major milestone
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama has called Yemen's president to congratulate him for wrapping up long-running talks aimed at developing a blueprint for the country's political future.
The White House says Obama told President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi on Monday that it's a major milestone. The talks brought delegates from across Yemen to lay the groundwork for a new constitution in the wake of the country's 2011 uprising.
Obama told the Yemeni leader that the U.S. wants to support Yemen's efforts to improve its economy so that gains can be sustained.
The two leaders also discussed security in Yemen, where the U.S. routinely targets suspected militants from the local al-Qaida branch. The White House says the presidents agreed to keep partnering on security and to improve the capacity of Yemen's security services.
