Sudan FM begins tour to nine West African countries

KHARTOUM, Oct 28, 2004 (SUNA) — Foreign Minister, Mustafa Osman Ismail, Thursday left to the Nigerian capital, Abuja, in the context of a week-long tour to nine west African countries.

Ismail will hand over messages from the President of the Republic, Field Marshal Omer Al-Bashir, to the presidents of the nine counties.

In a press statement to SUNA, Ismail said that he will acquaint presidents and senior officials in the nine countries with the developments in Darfur issue and the government efforts to normalize the situation there, outcome of the recent mini-African summit in Libya on Darfur crisis, besides progress of Sudan’s relations with each of the nine countries.

He said that he will put in mind during his tour the confusion created by the Western media regarding Darfur issue, stressing Sudan keenness to avoid any confusion in the West African countries about Darfur issue.

The Foreign Minister said that the tour will provide an opportunity to discuss ways of consolidating the relations between Sudan and the West African countries and to exchange views on different issues of mutual concern.