Relationship between Uganda, Sudan improving: president

KAMPALA, Jan 2, 2004 (Xinhua) — Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has said the relationship between his country and the Sudan is improving, Radio Uganda reported Friday night.

Museveni made the remarks in his message of congratulations to Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmed Al-Bashir on the occasion of the Sudan’s 48th anniversary of Independence Day which falls on Jan. 1, 2004.

Museveni reiterated Uganda’s hope for continued cooperation between the two countries, saying, “I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate my sincere desire for continued cooperation between our two governments and peoples, especially in the promotion of both our countries’ bilateral relations and regional peace and development.”

“As current chairman of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), I am happy to note the remarkable progress in the IGAD mediated peace process for the Sudan, on which I commend your government and the other Sudanese parties,” Museveni said. ” My government encourages your excellent and the other Sudanese parties to continue with the efforts toward establishment of permanent peace in Sudan.”