Sudan-Ethiopia cooperation will further be strengthen – PM

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

December 11, 2007 (ADDIS ABABA) — Being back from EU-Africa summit in Lisbon Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said, the current Ethio-Sudan cooperation in the road development sector will further be strengthened in other infrastructure development sectors too.

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al-Basher inaugurated Al-Gadariff- Al-Galabat -Doka highway, few days ago which is believed to be a major land link to transport Ethiopian agricultural products to Sudan and fuel from Sudan in return.

Also, the Sudan’s First Vice President, Salva Kiir Mayadrit is expected tomorrow in Addis Ababa where he would hold talks on the bilateral ties between the tow countries and ways to strengthen the economic exchanges.

During the inauguration, Sudanese President, Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir, has applauded the bilateral and all rounded cooperation of the two brotherly nations saying as “exemplary to other African countries.”

The economic cooperation of the two countries is growing fast particularly in agriculture and energy sectors, Ethiopian Television reported in connection with a recent visit to Sudan of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

The two neighboring countries are installing necessary infrastructure facilities such as trans-boundary road links to further enhance their multifarious cooperation.

Prime Minister Meles, during his stay in Sudan, also has held discussions with his Sudanese counterpart on issues related to South Sudan and Darfur crises.

The two leaders on the occasion have made fresh pledges to commit themselves in assuring lasting peace and managing conflicts.

The construction of the 156 km-long section was executed by an Egyptian constructor. The project has cost 30 million USD, 90% of which was from a grant provided by the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD) and 10 pct by the Sudanese Government

(ST)