Sudan’s FM outlines country’s foreign policy in parliament
Dec 5, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lam Akol, affirmed that the policy of his Ministry in the coming period would be based on the principles included in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the Interim Constitution and the national 25-year strategy as well as the laws of the federal ministries.
This came when the minister presented a statement Monday at the National Assembly, chaired by the Speaker Ahmed Ibrahim Al-Tahir, about the policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the national-unity government.
The Minister said the Interim Constitution set objectives for the Sudan’s foreign policy, including enhancement of international cooperation for realization of international peace, respecting the international law, working to achieve Afro-Arab economic integration, consolidation of the African unity, respect of human rights and basic freedoms, encouragement of civilizations dialogue, boosting South-South economic cooperation as well as non-interference in other countries affairs as well as combating terrorism and organized crimes.
The Minister further said of the main key points of Sudan’s foreign policy is to maintain its distinguished relations with the African and Arab worlds as well as its close neighborhood based on principle of good neighborhood and common interests.
In this connection, the Minister affirmed Sudan’s efforts to resume normal relations with Eritrea based on principles of good neighborliness and non-interference in domestic affairs.
The Government also is determined to end the existence of the Lord Resistance Army in south Sudan, expressing hope that its leaders would resort to wisdom and dialogue in solving their problems with Uganda.
Akol praised the Arab support to Sudan as well as the decision of the Arab League to set up a Special Fund for supporting Peace in Sudan. Sudan is closely following what is going on in the Arab arena, particularly in Palestine and Iraq, explaining that the Arab summit will be held in Khartoum next March.
The Minister explained that Sudan would put its potentials at the disposal of the African countries in order to bring about the aspirations of the African peoples in development besides playing active role in the regional institutions.
He referred to convocation of the African Union Summit in Khartoum next January, which will coincide, with the golden jubilee of Sudan’s independence and the first anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, affirming that Sudan will spare no efforts to make the summit conference a success. Sudan will also work to expand its diplomatic representation in the African continent during the interim period.
He explained that the relations with the USA and European countries are on the top of the priority of his Ministry, affirming Sudan’s readiness to reach into common understanding with these countries.
Sudan’s relations with Asian countries are also progressing a matter that clearly reflected in the increase of Asian investments in Sudan. Sudan will move in the coming weeks to regain its rights in Lome and Cotonou Conventions as well as resumption development aid.
The Minister reiterated Sudan’s determination to cooperate with the UN and the International Community regarding the implementation of the Peace Agreement as well as activation of the national mechanism on Relations with the UN.
Sudan will also exert utmost efforts to cooperate with UN’s Security Council. The Minister affirmed that the concerned bodies would coordinate to set an official positive vision regarding the ratification of the international agreements in the field of human rights.
(SUNA/ST)