Ethiopian FM discusses bilateral ties with Sudanese officials

June 21, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — During a two-day visit the Ethiopian Foreign Minister discussed with Sudanese official ways to strengthen bilateral ties and the implementation of joint development projects, especially roads and energy projects.

After his return to Addis Ababa, Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin said on Thursday that he was in Sudan to express Ethiopia’s wish to enhance the comprehensive bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Sudan.

The minister discussed bilateral ties and ways of strengthening them further, in addition to the joint projects, especially the Al-Qadarif-Qalabat and Al-Damazin-Kurmuk-Asosa roads and the Al-Shoka-Humara road in order to active trade along the common border.

Mesfin also touched on the need to unify the two countries in the field of communication and increase air flights between them.

Sudanese officials affirmed keenness to enhance its cooperation with Ethiopia in all fields. The Ethiopian foreign minister also discussed the ongoing implementation of joint projects, which are currently being implemented, especially roads and energy projects.

The visiting Ethiopian foreign minister discussed the security situation in Somalia, Darfur and the neighboring countries.

The Ethiopian delegation, during its stay in Sudan, has had talks with the President Omer Hassan al-Bashir, Vice-President Ali Osman Taha, Foreign Minister Lam Akol, Defence Minister Abdelrahim Mohamed Hussein and Presidential assistant, Nafi Ali Nafi.

(ST)