Sudan and China agree on need to combat separatists

KHARTOUM, Jan 06, 2004 (dpa) — After two days of bilateral talks, Sudan and China issued a joint communique Tuesday agreeing to safeguard the territorial unity of their countries against separatist threats.

China said it was committed to work absolutely to see Sudan united and settled while Sudan vowed to oppose any intention by the international community to recognize Taiwan.

The talks, involving Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail and his Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing also reached agreements on trade, oil and loans.

China agreed to double loans for vital projects in Sudan, offer grants and cancel parts of its debts owed to Sudan.

China welcomed the breakthrough agreement on wealth and oil revenues in the process to end 20 years of civil war between northern and southern Sudan.

At the international level, the two countries agreed to resist efforts to intervene in domestic affairs of other countries and rejected any unilateral imposition of embargo against countries, because it would lead to more suffering.

They agreed to further cooperate in the global anti-terrorism campaign but in accordance with international charters and laws.