Eritrea Afwerki, Sudan Kiir dicuss bilateral relations
Dec 1, 2005 (ASMARA) — President Isaias Afwerki today held talks with the high-level Sudanese delegation headed by Lt. Gen. Silva Kiir, Sudanese First Vice-President and President of the South Sudan government.
The two sides held extensive discussion on Eritrean-Sudanese relations and Eritrea’s role in the Sudanese peace process in general and developments in the peace process the Darfur and East Sudan in particular.
In a briefing he gave to reporters after the talks, President Isaias underlined that relations between the two countries and peoples being strategic option is logical and that it is the responsibility of both countries to create an atmosphere conducive to cooperation under conditions of peace and stability.
Isaias went on to say that as the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) is a basic point of departure, the two countries should work to establish relations anchored on forward-looking mutual respect and cooperation.
Sudanese Vice-President, Silva Kiir, pointed out that Eritrea’s relations with Sudan is vital to the Sudanese Government of National Unity. He further stated that Eritrea being part and parcel of the CPA, it has a significant role to play in its implementation.
The high-level Sudanese delegation is also scheduled to meet with different Eritrean government officials tomorrow. The delegation arrived in Asmara today on a two-day official visit. The delegation was welcomed on arrival at Asmara International Airport by senior Eritrean government and ruling PFDJ officials including Al-Amin Mohamed Seid, PFDJ Secretary and Gen. Sebhat Ephrem, Defence Minister.
Other Sudanese officials accompanying Gen. Silva Kiir are Salah Abdellah Gosh, Minister of State and Head of Intelligence, Tielara Dienk, Minister of State in the Sudanese President’s Office, and The State Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al-Samani Al-Wasila.
(Shabait/ST)