Egyptian Information minister comments on outcome of Egyptian-Sudanese talks
CAIRO, Jan 18, 2004 (MENA) — Secretary-General of the National Democratic Party and Information Minister Safwat al-Sharif said Sunday the summit meeting held on Sunday between President Husni Mubarak and Sudanese President Umar al-Bashir covered the latest Arab developments.
In statements to reporters following the meeting, Al-Sharif said the two sides exchanged views on the situation in Iraq and a number of other issues pertaining to the African continent. The meeting tackled the latest developments in Sudan and the peace agreement signed recently in this respect, he added.
Al-Sharif said the two sides agreed on signing a very important agreement on the freedom of movement, residence, work and possession between the two countries, adding that it would be drawn up within the coming few weeks and referred to the two leaders before February 15.
The agreement paves the way for integration and merger between the two peoples, he said. He added that the two sides agreed on signing an agreement on investment guarantee in both nations and drawing up a plan on promoting the infrastructure of railway and river transport that links between the two countries.
The summit meeting between President Mubarak and his Sudanese counterpart covered the peace process in Sudan and the importance of Egypt’s role in this respect, Al-Sharif said.
The Sudanese government and the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) have recently signed a peace agreement to restore stability to their country.
Al-Sharif pointed out that a work group, chaired by Prime Minister Dr Atif Ubayd, will be formed to implement the agreements reached between Egypt and Sudan.
On the sidelines of the summit, a meeting was held comprising the ministers accompanying the Sudanese leader to discuss a number of development issues in the fields of agriculture and industry, he said, adding that the two sides also agreed on widening the scope of Egyptian media to reach south Sudan.
Asked about the outcome of his latest visit to Saudi Arabia, the information minister said President Mubarak is keen at this stage on holding consultations with Arab leaders, referring to the president’s contacts with the heads of state of the UAE, Algeria and Syria. He asserted the importance of such consultations and exchange of views on Arab conditions and joint Arab action.
As for whether there were problems facing the convocation of the upcoming Arab summit in Tunis, and the possibility of holding it in Egypt, the minister said there isn’t anything new regarding the venue of the summit. He reiterated that President Mubarak clearly pointed out that Egypt did not request to host the summit, pointing out that the summit was rotational and should be held in Tunis and nothing would change in this respect.
As for the role that could be played by Egypt and Saudi Arabia in easing US pressures on Syria, Al-Sharif said Egyptian-Syrian relations are close and Egypt always supports Syria’s stance and its ability to hold an objective dialogue that could face any challenges and realize Syria’s aim of attaining just peace in the region.