Special envoy opens Chinese consulate in Juba

September 1, 2008 (JUBA) — Chinese special envoy to Sudan inaugurated today his country consulate in Juba, to cope with growing presence of Chinese workers and interests in this party of the country.

Last week Sudanese foreign minister received in his office Chinese consul General in Juba, Zhang Qingyang. Deng Alor has welcomed the appointment saying this step reflects the intimate relations between the Sudan and China and that it would boost relations between the two countries.

The visiting special envoy to Sudan and Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun inaugurated on Monday the office of the new Chinese consulate in the capital of southern Sudan Juba, in presence of the Vice President of the government of southern Sudan, Riek Machar.

Qingyang had been received on August 26 by Barnaba Marial Benjamin, southern Sudan’s Minister for Regional Cooperation.

China is major player in oil industry in the semi autonomous region. Also it takes part in the reconstruction of the region.

Beijing had being criticized for helping the government of the National Congress Party to exploit the oil fields before the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

However, since the 2005, the Chinese government exerts efforts to improve its relations with the government of southern Sudan.

(ST)