Al Bashir, Kiir agree to strengthen ties between the Sudans

The President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, today concluded a two-day visit to Sudan during which he had joint talks with the President Omar Al Bashir, on bilateral relations and means for strengthening them further.

President Salva Kiir held a number of meetings with government senior officials, besides his meeting with the First Vice-President and National Prime Minister, Lt. Gen. Bakri Hassan Saleh.

The official Sudan News Agency (SUNA) reports that at a joint press conference at Khartoum’s Presidential Palace today, Kiir expressed his country's desire for opening the borders crossings with Sudan, explaining the presence of security arrangements for administration for these crossings.

He affirmed his government seriousness to go ahead with the implementation of the Road Map agreed upon with President Al Bashir, expressing pleasure over the hospitality he received during his visit to Sudan.

The South Sudanese President has renewed his congratulations to the people and government of Sudan for the revocation of the US sanctions, adding that the move will attract foreign investments and contribute to boosting economic development in Sudan.

He underscored that the agreements signed by the two countries will be implemented by the will and determination of the leaderships in the two countries.

At the conclusion of the talks, the two presidents agreed to give care for common interests and to keep close and direct contact with each other to remove any obstacles.

‘Landmark shift in relations’

Al Bashir told the joint press conference he would be visiting South Sudan to mark yet a new landmark shift in relations between Khartoum and Juba.

He said he agreed with President Kiir on giving care for joint interests and direct supervision as well as to maintain contact to remove any barriers impeding smooth relations between the two countries.

“The two sides have strong will to go ahead with progress of relations and the two sides are ready and keen to implement all agreements signed previously, as well as those signed today between the two countries,” Al Bashir said.

He added the two countries paid a high price because of their differences, stressing the best option for the two sides was cooperation and that the joint borders be areas for exchanging benefits.

He stated that the two sides agreed they would no longer tolerate any hostile political or military activities against each other, underling that Sudan briefed South Sudan on its experiment distancing itself from any harbouring of rebel movements.

He stressed that Sudan maintains positive attitudes towards its neighbours. He cited the case of the military and security cooperation between the Sudan and Chad and its positive outcome on the relations between the two countries and their security.

Kiir was seen-off at Khartoum Airport by Al BashIr, a number of Ministers, and the South Sudanese  Ambassador to Sudan.

(Source: SUNA)