Ethiopia, Sudan socio-economic ties heighten after road links – envoy
June 12, 2010 (ADDIS ABABA) – On top of the existing people-to-people ties, the socio-economic relations between Sudan and Ethiopia is gaining momentum following the construction of a road that linked the two neighboring countries, Walta, a pro-government news agency reports, citing a Sudanese ambassador as saying.
Mohammed Yousif Hassan, Ambassador responsible for bilateral and regional relations at the Sudan Embassy in Ethiopia said the two countries are registering impressive achievements in promoting legal trade, transportation and communication links through peaceful means.
A Sudanese cultural troupe recently staged performance in various towns of Ethiopia including Metema, Bahir Dar, Gondar and Addis Ababa traveling in land transport, he indicated.
The cultural shows will play a key role to further strengthen the people-to-people ties between the two countries, he said, adding an Ethiopian cultural troupe has finalized preparation to travel to Khartoum in a similar manner.
The Sudanese diplomat added the two countries relations in the tourism and investment sectors have shown a remarkable progress owing to the trade fairs and bazaars as well as investment forums held in both countries.
He said the bilateral trade volume between the two countries is also growing. According to him, Sudan supplies oil, gas and various industrial products to Ethiopia, while Ethiopia exports sesame and other oil seeds to Sudan.
He said Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s presence at the swearing-in ceremony of Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir indicates the strength of relations between the two nations.
According to Hassan, the peaceful and free elections held with a high turnout in the two countries would contribute a lot for the prevalence of peace and security in the Horn of Africa.
(ST)