Sudan First Vice-President, Eritra president agree to strengthen ties

February 15, 2008 (MASSAWA) – Sudanese First Vice-President and President of Southern Sudan Government paid a short visit to the neighbouring Eritrea where he discussed with the Eritrean President peace implementation and ways to promote bilateral ties.

Eritrea, an ally of the ex-Sudanese opposition forces and particularly to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) seemed angered to see its former Sudanese ally distanced it self from Asmara and strengthen its ties with other countries even its foe Ethiopia.

Salva Kiir Mayadrit arrived yesterday to Asmara in his way back from Cairo to Khartoum. Kiir held talks with President Isaias Afwerki in Massawa on the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and ways to improve ties between the Eritrean ruling party People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) and the SPLM.

The parties reached an understanding to strengthen bilateral and mutual cooperation, in line with the historical and strategic relations between Eritrea and the South Sudan, at the government and political levels.

Speaking to the reporters following the meeting, Salva Kiir Myardit pointed out on his part that Eritrea’s role is significant in promoting peace and stability in the Sudan, as well as in securing peace in the Horn region. He further stated “We are ready to work jointly with Eritrea to this end.”

The Sudanese Ambassador to Eritrea, Salah Ahmed Al-Hassan, said in a press statement that Afwerki and Mayadrit agreed that Eritrea is to contribute to the development process in south Sudan, especially concerning implementation of infrastructural projects and women training plans. Ambassador Al-Hassan said that the two parties agreed on reactivation of the cooperation agreement which was signed between the SPLM and the Eritrean government recently.

Salva Kiir on Friday afternoon visited Massawa Port, during which he inspected its expansion, modernization and operational schemes. Besides, he visited the Pre-cast Housing and Bridges Construction Plant, during which he receive briefings by experts.

Meanwhile, PFDJ and SPLM delegations on Thursday 14 February evening discussed relations and cooperation between the two political forces.

“Both sides conducted extensive exchange of views regarding the Naivasha Agreement and its implementation, as well as the peace process in Darfur and the East Sudan Agreement. Furthermore, they agreed to continue such meetings,” reported Shabait the official website of the Eritrean government.

Present at the meeting on the side of the SPLM delegation were Luka Biong Deng, Minister for Presidential Affairs, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, Minister of Regional Cooperation in the South Sudan government, and Yasir Arman Deputy Secretary General of the SPLM for northern sector.

(ST)