Sudan pledges to hand over geological information to South Sudan
June 12, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese Ministry of Minerals has pledged to hand over huge and valuables geological information in its possession to the government of South Sudan.
On Saturday, a South Sudanese delegation headed by the Minister Taban Deng arrived in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, in an official visit for several days to hold talks on bilateral cooperation on mineral sector.
The two parties reviewed the previously signed cooperation agreements and South Sudan’s interest to obtain some geological information from the Public Authority for Geological Research , which is the technical arm of the Ministry of Minerals.
Minister al- Karouri told reporters after the meeting that Sudan will hand over all the needed geological information to South Sudan; train South Sudan geological and technical cadres and enhance joint cooperation in the field of minerals.
Minister Gai, on his part, told media that South Sudan is keen benefit from Sudan’s experience in the exploitation and development of minerals.
“We came to Khartoum to learn from our brothers in Sudan how they managed so quickly to incorporate minerals revenues to the state treasury,” Gai said.
He stressed that there is evidence of valuable mineral resources such as gold and diamonds in 44% of South Sudan area.
He added that the purpose of their visit to Khartoum is to get acquainted with South Sudan geological information stored in the north before the secession..
“We came as partners; and one family and not as competitors. Our goal is to develop this important sector to contribute to the economy of the two countries along with the development of all fields, Petroleum and minerals, and internal and external trade in order to contribute and help each other,” he said.
The visiting South Sudan delegation paid a visit to Sudan Gold Refinery, which is one of the largest in Africa and the Public Authority for Geological Research.
Relations between the two nations soured after South Sudan’s independence in July 2011, following a series of disputes over a number of issues.
However, last week, the Joint Political and Security Committee (JPSC) between the two countries signed a series of security agreements, including immediate re-deployment of joint military unity along the Safe Demilitarized Border Zone (SDBZ), and agreed to open the 10 crossings points.
(ST)