Sudan, South Africa to form joint ministerial committee
February 1, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir and his South African counterpart, Jacob Zuma have agreed to form a joint ministerial committee to reinforce economic cooperation between the two countries.
The two sides issued a joint communiqué reaffirming commitment to reinforcing economic relations by encouraging private and public enterprises in both countries to further involve themselves in establishing partnerships to become a model for South-South cooperation.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the current level of ties and cooperation between the two countries, stressing their commitment to further promote and strengthen those ties.
According to the communiqué, the two leaders instructed their foreign ministers to complete procedures of establishing the joint ministerial committee between the two countries.
They reaffirmed their support to the United Nations and African Union as important institutions for consolidating and strengthening regional and international peace and security.
The two presidents also underscored importance of the role played by the sub- regional African organisations in achieving economic integration peace and security and stability in the continent.
They also called on all parties involved in the conflict in South Sudan to show leadership and responsibility to bring the conflict to an end, expressing support and solidarity with African countries affected by the waves of violence and terrorist attacks.
The two presidents discussed development agenda beyond 2015, saying they shared identical views on regional and international issues discussed during the talks.
Zuma praised efforts made by Bashir for creating a favourable climate for achieving peace and stability in Sudan, expressing his gratitude for the support rendered by the Sudanese people during their struggle against the apartheid regime.
Bashir, for his part hailed efforts exerted by Zuma to promote social, economic and cultural conditions in South Africa.
The two presidents also lauded the role played by South Africa’s late president Nelson Mandela
After his election in 2009, Zuma said that Bashir is not welcome in South Africa and warned he would be arrested in compliance with an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on ten counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide he allegedly masterminded in Darfur region.
However, South African commentators criticize Zuma’s foreign policy claiming he focuses much on economic interests than human rights and democratic principles.
(ST)