South Africa’s FM in Sudan for talks on peace implementation and Darfur conflict
September 14, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – South African foreign minister arrived today to the Sudanese capital where she is expected to hold talks with the Sudanese officials on the implementation of 2005 peace deal and ongoing efforts to end Darfur conflict.
Mrs. .Maite Nkoana-Mashabane is accompanied by South African’s Minister for Monitoring and Evaluation in the Presidency, Collin Chabane and senior government officials during the three-day working visit.
Nkoana-Mashabane who was received by her Sudanese counterpart Mr. Deng Alor will hold on Tuesday a meeting with Sudanese President Omer Al-Bashir and other senior officials including Mr. Alor, Dr. Ghazi Salah Al-Deen, presidential adviser in charge with Darfur dossier, presidential adviser Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail, Abel Alier, chairman of Sudan election commission and minister of international cooperation Dr. Tigani Fidail.
“The conflict in Darfur, the 2010 election and other matters related to the implementation of the Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) will also be discussed,” said a statement issued by SA foreign ministry..
The visiting South African delegation will also fly to Juba for talks on the implementation of the Capacity and Institution Building Project for Southern Sudan.
The minister will meet Sudan’s First Vice President, Salva Kiir Mayadrit and Southern Sudan minster of regional cooperation, Gen. Oyai Deng Ajak.
South Africa has also deployed troops and civilian police in Darfur as part of the United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur.
South Africa and the Sudan launched a structured bilateral mechanism in May 2006 called the Joint Bilateral Commission which convenes at both ministerial and senior officials’ levels.
In addition South Africa is the Chair of the AU Ministerial Commission on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development of the Sudan.
The minister is expected to return to South Africa on Thursday ahead of the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York from 21 – 25 September 2009.
(ST)