AU lauds Sudan, Chad renewed commitment to smooth odd ties

October 13, 2009 (ADDIS ABABA) — The chairperson of African Union (AU) commission Jean Ping has praised Sudan and neighboring Chad for their renewed commitment to restore roughen relations.

The chairperson’s remarks came after a higher-level Sudanese delegation paid a two-day visit to Chad over the week end. The countries have decided to hold further consultations in Khartoum as soon as possible.

Sudanese Presidential Adviser Dr. Ghazi Salah Al-Deen, who led the delegation, said he had expressed Sudan’s desire to normalize relations with Chad and to end any tensions between the two countries.

“We are on right track” said the Chadian, foreign minister Moussa Faki Mahamat following the meeting describing the talks between Deby and the Sudanese envoy as “cordial”.

In a press release issued on Monday, Jean Ping congratulated both countries for what he said was a renewed commitment to work towards restoring trust and resuming cooperation.

Mr. Ping appreciated the shared commitment of both sides to effectively promote relations of good neighborliness and cooperation, on a sustainable and mutually beneficial basis.

He hoped that the efforts will lead to a meeting at the highest level and concretely open a new chapter in ties between Sudan and Chad.

Also the Qatari foreign ministry today welcomed the commitment of the two neighboring countries to normalize and to improve their bilateral relations. It further expressed wishes to see relations back to its former level in order to achieve security and stability between the two countries and the region.

(ST)