Ethiopia to open a consulate in South Sudan’s Juba
Aug 31, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Ethiopian government said it will open a consulate in the capital of southern Sudan Juba, joining other neighbouring courtiers like Egypt, Kenya and Uganda.
After a meeting with the Sudanese First Vice President, the Ambassador Ato Ali Abdo told the press that he discussed with Salva Kiir the possibility of opening a Consulate of Ethiopia in Juba.
Salva Kiir Mayadrit discussed at his office in the Republican Palace Thursday with the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Sudan, Abdo, progress of the bilateral relations and ways to consolidate them at all fields.
The First Vice-President has appreciated the distinguished relations between Sudan and Ethiopia in all fields.
The ambassador described the relations between Sudan and Ethiopia as progressing and a model for the good neighbourliness relations in Africa.
The ambassador said that he conveyed to the First Vice-President the greetings of the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi, and his best wishes to Sudan for progress and stability.
Ethiopia seems interested to consolidate its relation with the government of southern Sudan, particularly there are Anyuak and Nuer tribes living in southern Sudan and Southwestern Ethiopia.
Also, There is the fact of the good relations between the Eritrean ruling PFDJ, and the SPLM. Ethiopia urgently needs to remind the southern Sudan government the common border and the importance to have good neighbourhood.
After the beginning of Eritrea – Ethiopia war in May 1998, Meles Zenawi closed his doors in front of the Sudanese opposition forces; the SPLM was among these forces. In addition, Zenawi following the fall of the Mangesto regime in Ethiopia, allowed the Sudanese army to attack the SPLM from the Ethiopia.
(ST)