Ethnic unity important for Sudan’s prosperity: Chinese president

Feb 2, 20007 (KHARTOUM) — Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao said on Friday that the realization of peace conforms to the fundamental interests of all Sudanese people as ethnic solidarity is an important prerequisite for national prosperity.

Hu, who arrived here earlier in the day for a two-day state visit to Sudan, made the remarks during separate meetings with Sudanese First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Second Vice President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha.

Hu expressed China’s appreciation for the Sudanese government’s efforts to push for the realization of national reconciliation and for the achievements made in this regard.

China sincerely hopes that comprehensive peace, stability and development would be realized at an early date in the African country, Hu said.

Kiir said the Sudanese government is making efforts to eradicate poverty and it hopes to carry out cooperation with China in the areas of investment, infrastructure construction, telecommunications and human resources development.

He said post-war reconstruction is underway in Sudan’s south, adding that his country welcomes China’s participation in the process.

Sudan hopes China would pay attention to the settlement of the Darfur issue and help resolve it, Kiir said.

Taha said the Sundanese government and people want to see increased friendly cooperation between the two countries.

The Sudanese side hopes that President Hu’s historic visit to Sudan would provide a fresh impetus to Sudanese-Chinese cooperation and open up broader prospects for bilateral ties, he said.

The Sudanese government is striving to achieve peace and national reconciliation across the country and hopes that China would offer its strong support to efforts aimed to solve the Darfur issue and issues concerning the south, Taha added.

Sudan is the third leg of President Hu’s eight-nation Africa tour, which has already taken him to Cameroon and Liberia. Hu will also visit Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique and Seychelles.

(Xinhua)