Sudan, US agree to continue dialogue to improve relations
September 18, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan and the United States reaffirmed on Tuesday their desire to continue dialogue and consultations to resolve the outstanding issues and improve their relations.
The American diplomat told reporters following the talks that the meeting was positive.
He noted that a number of issues were discussed, including the Darfur issue, the process of implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in southern Sudan, bilateral relations and means of removing tension and working together to realize peace in Sudan.
He affirmed that the relations between the two countries had witnessed a gradual but tangible improvement in the recent period.
Meanwhile, Director of the American Department at the Sudanese Foreign Ministry Abdel-Basit al-Sanusi said the meeting was a continuation to the series of meetings and consultations between the two countries on all issues of mutual concern following a recent visit to Washington by Sudanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Al-Samani Al-Wasila.
Al-Sanusi added that an agreement was reached to continue dialogue in New York, where Lam Akol is to participate in the meetings of the United Nations General Assembly.
He pointed out that the meeting between the two sides also tackled preparations for a visit to Khartoum by U.S. envoy for peace in Sudan Andrew Natsios in the coming two weeks.
Ali Al-Sadig, official spokesman of the Sudanese Foreign Ministry, also noted that the Tuesday meeting, which came at the request of the American charge d’affaires, reviewed the issues which would be discussed during Lam Akol’s stay in New York, especially during his meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte.
Sudan and the United States are working together to normalize their relations, said the spokesman.
A high-ranking Sudanese delegation led by state minister Al-Wasila visited Washington early this month, which was the highest of its kind in the last ten years. During the stay, the delegation held meetings with U.S. officials on the bilateral relations.
(Xinhua)