Expected peace accord to boost regional peace, says foreign minister
KHARTOUM, Dec 22, 2003 (SUNA) — Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Uthman Isma’il stressed that the coming peace agreement will be comprehensive and a boost to the peace atmosphere in the neighbouring states and the whole region.
Interviewed by Sun Sahara Informer newspaper in Addis Ababa, on the sidelines of the recent Chinese-African Cooperation Forum, Dr Isma’il said that the IGAD initiative for realizing peace in Sudan is an African one and took place in response to Sudan call on the IGAD member states to support the peace process in Sudan.
Dr Isma’il pointed out that Sudan, Ethiopia, and Yemen are keen to bolster the economic and commercial cooperation between them, adding that the three countries are also keen to work for the prevalence of peace and security at the strategic area of the Horn of Africa and southern Red Sea.
He affirmed the importance of cooperation and integration between Sudan and Ethiopia in the petroleum, agricultural and electricity power fields.
The foreign minister said that the door is open for all the countries at the region to work for stability and peace.
He said that China is the first economic partner of Sudan, adding that Sudan is the second biggest African state with regard to the size of Chinese investments. He indicated that Sudan is maintaining firm and distinguished ties with China, referring to the Chinese investments in Sudan in the fields of oil, electricity power, railways, river transport, agriculture and industry.
Dr Isma’il said that the Sudanese private sector has established strong trade relations with Chinese companies.