GENEVA, Nov. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- Two Swiss travellers have been abducted in Yemen by local tribesmen, the Swiss foreign ministry confirmed on Monday.

    The Swiss embassy in Saudi Arabia said negotiations were underway to free the man and the woman who were kidnapped in the mountainous Maarib province, according to the official website swissinfo.

    "The Swiss consul in Yemen is being kept informed by the local authorities," said Dominik Alder, Switzerland's ambassador in Riyadh, who also oversees Swiss interests in the neighboring country.

    Alder was not able to say who was responsible for the kidnapping, nor if a ransom demand had been made.

    The Swiss foreign ministry warns tourists of "important risks" when travelling to Yemen. The ministry website says that a number of foreign tourists and businessmen have been kidnapped in recent years, occasionally resulting in their deaths.

    The ministry recommends travelling in Yemen only with local guides. Enditem