Ethiopia reaffirms full support to peace in Sudan

By Tesfa-alem tekle

October 3, 2009 (ADDIS ABABA) – Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi once again reassures his government’s full commitment to extend support to ensure lasting peace and security in Sudan.

The premier’s latest remark on Friday comes after talks held with a southern Sudanese delegation led by special envoy of South Sudanese government, Lt. Gen. Nhial Deng Nhial in the capital, Addis Ababa.

“Ethiopia as a nation, to its level best will continue to provide all the necessary support, Sudan needs to restore long-lasting peace,” Meles said adding, and as IGAD member state, in collaboration with other IGAD member countries will play its role for the implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement signed between South and North Sudan.

Ethiopia and South Sudan have a number of existing cooperation agreements, among others: on social, economic and infrastructure development and security sectors.

According to a government higher official, both sides, Ethiopia and South Sudan, have also discussed on joint cooperation particularly in capacity building and on other existing cooperation agreements on ways both could jointly work closely for an effective implementation.

Special envoy of South Sudanese government, Gen. Nhial Deng Nhial , who is also the minister of southern Sudanese army to his part said that the talks he had with PM Meles Zenawi was fruit full and said that such consultation are important for an effective implementation of the peace agreement .

Gen. Nhial Deng Nhial on the occasion handed over Prime Minister Meles message sent by the President of South Sudanese government Salva Kiir Mayardit.

Ties between Ethiopia and the semi-autonomous region of south Sudan is steadily accelerating in recent years.

Earlier on the year, a number of cooperation agreements on trade, education, transport and capacity building sectors were signed between Ethiopia and neighboring regions of South Sudan to further scale up existing cooperation.

Such agreements are strengthening historical relations between the brotherly peoples.

Recent Agreements reached to undertake three road projects linking Ethiopia and South Sudan are also expected to enhance socio-economic relations between the peoples.

(ST)