Norway to upgrade its diplomatic representation in Sudan

KHARTOUM, Feb 15, 2005 (Sudanese TV) — The state minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Najib al-Khayr Abd-al-Wahab, has held talks with Norwegian Minister of International Development Hilde Johnson, who arrived in the country on a several-day official visit. While in the country, the Norwegian minister is expected to visit Darfur.

The two sides discussed the peace process in the country. Norway has expressed its commitment to upgrade its diplomatic representation in Sudan and to open an embassy in Khartoum as well as a consulate in Juba town [southern Sudan].

At a joint press conference, the Norwegian minister confirmed the importance of the role of the African Union (AU) in the resolution of the Darfur conflict.

She pointed out that the international community is serious about guaranteeing the necessary demands for peace in Sudan.

Material provided by the BBC Monitoring Service.