Sudan, Rwanda support AU efforts to solve Darfur issue

KHARTOUM, Feb 24, 2005 (Xinhua) — Sudan and Rwanda stressed on Thursday their support for the African Union’s efforts to solve the Darfur crisis.

Sudanese President Omar el-Beshir (L) receives his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame in Khartoum, on Tuesday February 22, 2005. (AFP).

In a joint statement, Sudanese President Omar el-Bashir and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame reiterated their support for the AU to confront challenges facing African countries.

They stressed the importance of intensifying common efforts to develop cooperation and consultation in political, economical, cultural, social and scientific fields between the two countries.

The two leaders also agreed to continue coordination at both regional and international levels, calling for an enhanced political cooperation among African countries.

The Rwandan president arrived here Tuesday for a three-day visit to Sudan.

He held talks with Sudanese officials on different issues, including the situation in the troubled western region of Darfur.

Kagame paid a visit to Darfur, where Rwanda contributed to an AU force to observe a ceasefire agreement signed by the Sudanese government and Darfur rebel groups in January.