Summit sign agreement establishing Sana’a Forum for Co-operation
Addis Ababa, Dec 30, 2003 (ENA) — Ethiopian, Sudanese and Yemeni leaders signed an agreement establishing the Sana’a Forum for Co-operation aimed at developing a concrete framework and enhancing the partnership among the three countries.
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Sudanese President, Omar Hassen Al-Bashir and Yemeni President, Ali Abdullah Salah signed the agreement at the conclusion of the daylong Tri-partite Summit late on Monday at the Sheraton Addis.
In a joint Communiqué issued by the summit, the three countries renewed their commitment to make the Forum a framework for a multifaceted cooperation among the three countries and peoples as well as others in the region.
The leaders noted with satisfaction that the cooperation in the areas of trade, investment and tourism among the three countries has deepened especially since the trilateral co-operation was established in October 2002.
They expressed their strong desire and commitment to work closely to bring about sustainable peace and security in the Southern Red Sea and the Horn of Africa as well as indicated that the Forum was open to other countries in the region inline with the principle and objectives of the Forum.
The leaders also reaffirmed their support to the on-going peace process in the Sudan and stressed the vital importance of its successful conclusion to the peace and stability of the region.
Concerning the situation in Somalia, the communiqué said the leaders expressed their concern over the slow pace of the process and called upon all the Somali parties to unite in support of the reconciliation process.
The communiqué said they urged the international community to continue its assistance for the success of the Reconciliation Conference on Somalia.
The leaders also reiterated their condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and renewed their determination to cooperate with the international community in combating international terrorism.
The leaders reaffirmed their support for an independent and United Iraq and the vital role of the United Nations for the reconstruction of Iraq.
They also welcomed the initiatives at finding a just and durable solution to the conflict in the Middle East on the bases of the relevant United Nations resolutions.
The agreement was signed in the presence of resident diplomats and prominent personalities.
According to the communiqué, the leaders decided that the Third Summit of the Sana’a Forum for Cooperation be held in Khartoum, the Sudan in December 2004.