The Sudanese Minister of Defense, Abdel Rahim Mohammed Hussein, arrived to Juba on Monday morning for talks on the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement, particularly the border security arrangement.
Speaking to the press after his arrival at Juba Airport, Abdel Rahim explained that his visit represents the first meeting of the joint political and security committee, which aims to tackle border security including withdrawing soldiers from the frontier zone between the two countries and opening border crossings.
The Agreement on Security Arrangements was signed by Hussein and his counterpart John Kong Nyuon in late September in Addis Ababa at the culmination of several rounds of negotiations. The agreement is part of the overall ‘Cooperation Agreement,’ a package of deals on oil, nationality, banking and other issues.
Abdel Rahim said that the implementation of the security deal will pave the way for implementation of the other signed agreements, and will strengthen the relationship between Sudan and South Sudan.
“Our visit will enlighten our citizens in both countries on our commitment for the implementation of these signed agreement. As you know, security is vital for any agreement,” said Abdel Rahim.
He asserted that the establishment of the security mechanism would demonstrate a bilateral relationship between the two countries, as South Sudan and Sudan have long history in common, a common border, trade, and other common interests.
The Sudanese defense minister was received by Alison Monani Magaya, South Sudan’s minister of interior. Magaya stated that the visit was the result of the Cooperation Agreement, in order to work on the security arrangements along the border.
Reporting by Denis Dumo; used by permission of the Juba Post.