Ethiopia-Sudan joint panel inks cultural agreement

Mar 8, 2006 (BAHIR DAR) — Ethiopia and Sudan Joint border commission agreed today to enhance bilateral ties between the two countries by accelerating the implementation of different deals and signed an accord on cultural and sportive cooperation.

The two sides agreed to implement agreements signed earlier and new agreements enabling to collaborate in the areas of culture and sports.

The 8th Conference of the Ethio-Sudan Joint Border Development Commission was concluded on Wednesday in Bahir Dar town, Amhara State, with the two sides signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

Ethiopian delegation head, who is also Chief Administrator of the Amhara State, Ayalew Gobeze on the occasion said efforts need to be strengthened to implement the agreements reached on issues related to border development and information exchange.

Ayalew said the two sides should work jointly to preserve natural resources and prevent desertification along the common border.

He said the implementation of the agreements would enable to enhance trade exchange between the two countries and prevent illegal trade as well as communicable diseases.

Head of the Sudanese delegation and administrator of the Gedhariff region, Abdelrahman Al-Kadir on his part said the Sudanese delegation would exert utmost efforts to implement the agreement.

Chief Administrator of Tigray State, Tsegaye Berhe and Governor of Kessela Region in the Sudan, Engineer Ibrahim Mahmmoud Hami on the occasion signed an agreement aimed at border development and strengthening people to people relations.

(ST)