US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns said Monday Washington would offer direct budgetary assistance for Yemen in order to address the huge deficit, caused by difficult economic conditions.

Burns, in a meeting with prime minister Mohammad Salem Basindwa, reaffirmed continued economic and political support to Yemen, particularly the national dialogue, official news agency (Saba) reported.

Burns said the national dialogue was the most appropriate mean to overcome the challenges, namely the security ones.

Basindwa appreciated the American support to Yemen, and the US keenness to see the political settlement succeed.

Both sides, said Saba, discussed political, economic and security cooperation, as well as preparations for the national dialogue conference which would be held in line with the GCC initiative.