Lavrov: Both Sudan and South Sudan want Russia to host their dialogue

September 10, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday both Sudan and South Sudan would like Russia to host their bilateral dialogue.

Sudanese foreign minister Ibrahim Ghandour announced that he had agreed with his South Sudan counterpart, Barnaba Marial Benjamin in Moscow to start implementing the Cooperation Agreement signed by their respective leaders in September 2012.

On his part, South Sudan top diplomat underlined the need for improving the climate for peace and cooperation between Khartoum and Juba.

Sudanese officials recently expressed dissatisfaction at the slow pace of implementation of cooperation protocols with South Sudan. They noted that out of a set of bilateral arrangements signed between the two countries, only the agreement on export of South Sudan’s oil through Port Sudan Port was implemented.

Lavrov announced following talks in Moscow with his two counterparts that they talked about convening a consultative meeting, the first of its kind, to discuss means of settling pending issues between the two countries.

Earlier on Thursday Lavrov highly appreciated Khartoum’s efforts to sort out pending issues with South Sudan.

At the outset of his meeting with his Sudanese counterpart, Lavrov said “We have a very good opportunity to discuss the vividly growing bilateral relations. This dynamic growth should be maintained and further boosted. We will also discuss regional issues.”

Addressing Ghandour, he added “Also we are interested to hear your evaluation of a number of issues in Sudan, including Darfur.”

The Russian minister announced that Ghandour would confer in Moscow with Benjamin.After what he would meet with both of them to discuss the outcome.

He expressed hope that the tripartite talks in Moscow would be crowned with success, and he thanked the Sudanese Minister for accepting Moscow’s invitation.

Both Sudan and South Sudan expressed hope that Russia would support them at the UN Security Council.

On his part, Ghandour said his visit meant also to boost bilateral relations with Russia. He thanked the Russians for their support of his country at the Security Council.

Benjamin said South Sudan hopes that Russia would veto any embargo on arm imports to his country. “South Sudan is a nascent State. We need Moscow’s backing at the international arena,” he added.

(ST)