Sudan’s Kiir to visit Egypt for talks on development
June 10, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese First Vice-President will visit Cairo for talks on Egypt’s participation in the development of the south and the establishment of various projects there,
Salva Kiir Maydrit who is also the head of southern Sudan government told the Egyptian Al-Ahram that contacts are underway to determine the date of a visit he intends to pay to Egypt where he will meet with President Hosni Mubarak, and discuss with the Prime Minister Ahmed Nazeef, Egyptian development programmes to southern Sudan.
During his previous visits to Cairo, Egyptians authorities pledged to implement various development projects in the ten states of southern Sudan.
Egypt supports the reconstruction and development of southern Sudan in various fields such as electricity, education, health, irrigation and water resources.
In his interview with the official daily, the First Vice-President praised the efforts made by Egypt in the southern Sudan, including the creation of a comprehensive medical clinic which is opened last week in Juba, as well as electricity network.
Egypt further established four power stations in Wau, Rumbek, Bor and Yambio where they are operating now, except for Bor where it is expected to end its construction in July 2008.
Egypt also pledged to construct Alexandria University in Juba with colleges in different states, but the southern Sudan government did not grant a plot of land to build the university up to date.
Asked about the reason for not allocating land to construct the university, Kiir said that Juba became crowded, but South Sudan government will allocate enough space to construct the university and colleges.
He also said that GoSS will also prepare a map of arable land in the south to be submitted to Egyptian investors.
Salva Kiir, since his designation as First Vice President following the tragic death of John Garang, visited the neighbouring Egypt three times, the latest was in February 2008.
(ST)