Ethiopia, Sudan political ties need to be strengthened – envoy

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

June 18, 2009 (ADDIS ABABA) — Despite their long standing and boosting multilateral cooperation Ethiopia and Sudan have, the two neighbors still need to work more on bolstering their political ties, Ethiopian ambassador to Sudan said.

Ambassador Ali Abdo told the official ENA that bilateral relations of the two countries in social, political, economic and cooperation on various sectors more than ever is gaining momentum.

However, he said that the Ethio-Sudan bilateral relations in the political arena shall further be strengthened in the years ahead.

He added that, multifaceted activities have been underway to bolster Ethio-Sudan cooperation in the political sector in the future.

The Ambassador reiterated Ethiopia’s firm determination to scale up the age-long bilateral relations with the Sudan in political, economic, and other fields of cooperation.

Ethiopia will continue to work together with the Sudanese government toward ensuring the peace, stability, and sovereignty of the Sudan, he reaffirmed

Economic ties between the two sisterly countries have been strengthening from time to time.

According to him, close to 85 percent of Ethiopia’s demand for benzene is supplied from the Sudan.

The two neighboring countries are already linked with roads, he said, adding Ethiopia and Sudan are working together on regional and international issues of common interest.

According to the ambassador, the two countries also agreed to synchronize efforts in fighting anti peace elements operating along the common border.

Ethiopia has deployed peacekeeping troops in Darfur, the Sudan as part of global efforts toward bringing about sustainable peace and stability in the region.

(ST)