CAR’s new president in Khartoum for talks on bilateral ties

June 17, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – Michel Djotodia, new president of Central African Republic (CAR), arrived Monday to Khartoum where he held talks with his Sudanese counterpart Omer Al-Bashir.

Djotodia who is the first Muslim to lead his nation was elected last April by an acting parliament after toppling the regime of the former president François Bozizé.

During the two day visit the two leaders will sign bilateral cooperation agreements including health, transport and security issues, said the state minister for foreign affairs Salah Wansi on Monday.

Wansi stressed that the talks will also include the tripartite security cooperation deal between Chad, CAR, and Sudan.

The three countries agreed last year to form a joint force to monitor the common border and prevent rebel attacks.

The two parties are also expected to discuss the presence of the Ugandan troops which are in CAR to search the rebel Lord Resistance Army (LRA).

“Sudan is very concerned by the presence of the Ugandan troops there”, said a Western researcher working in the region because Kampala is supporting the Sudanese rebel groups and accuses Sudan of backing the LRA rebels.

The source said Djotodia also may ask Khartoum some financial support because his regime is facing international sanctions.

After the removal of Bozizé regime, the European Union suspended more than $200 million aid program, and warned it would not resume until the rule of law is re-established.

Sudan was among the first countries to provide the CAR with humanitarian assistance after the fall of Bozizé regime.

(ST)