Iran, Sudan sign cooperation protocol

April 26, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan and Iran today signed in Tehran special documents on joint cooperation between the two countries. The ceremony was attended by President Omar al-Bashir and his Iranian counterpart, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The Sudanese foreign minister signed on behalf of the Sudanese government while the Iranian foreign minister, Manuchehr Mottaki, signed on behalf of the Iran government.

The head of political department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Abd-al-Hafidh Ibrahim, said the minutes of the signing ceremony included exchanging of views between the two countries on issues of mutual interest.

Speaking to Radio Omdurman, Ambassador Ibrahim said that Iran had assured of its support and solidarity with Sudan in facing challenges regarding the Darfur issue and would support the remaining AU troops in the region as well as its keenness on revitalizing the agreements which it signed with Sudan, particularly the economic and trade agreements.

The ambassador further said that Sudan has declared its support for Iran’s right to possess a nuclear programme for its security.

(ST)