Sudan’s FM ends visit to Belgium

KHARTOUM, Dec 12, 2003 (SUNA) — Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Uthman Isma’il, returned home Thursday evening following a tour covering Egypt and Belgium.

In Egypt, Dr Isma’il has handed over to President Husni Mubarak a written message from President of the Republic Gen Umar al- Bashir dealing with bilateral relations and the peace process. In a press statement, Dr Isma’il said his stopover in Cairo offered him a chance to meet Egyptian officials including Egyptian counterpart Ahmad Mahir and attended a tripartite meeting drawing foreign ministers of Egypt and Ethiopia. The meeting discussed joint relations, stability and security in the region and support to peace processes in Sudan and Somalia.

In Belgium, Dr Isma’il has participated in the opening of a joint economic seminar by the Sudanese and Belgium businessmen. The minister has also conferred with Commissioner of EU’s External Relations and Security Javier Solana. Dr Isma’il invited Solana to visit Sudan next year. Dr Isma’il and commissioner of EU’s economic affairs have explored the union’s projects in Sudan including aid and development projects.

Moreover, the minister met with his Belgian counterpart, the speaker of Belgian parliament and minister of international cooperation. The two sides agreed to establish joint ministerial committee and political consultation committee. Dr Isma’il invited his Belgian counterpart who agreed to visit Sudan next March.