Joint meetings that took place recently in Khartoum between Sudanese government officials and their South Sudanese counterparts could not tackle the thorny issue of harboring and supporting rebel groups in both countries.

Both sides continue to trade accusation on who is responsible for failing to implement the 2012 cooperation deal that was meant to improve economic and political ties between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters at Juba airport upon arrival from Khartoum on Friday, South Sudan’s presidential adviser on security affairs, Tut Gatluak said the two sides could not discuss security issues.

He explained that the two countries agreed to work towards increasing the oil production and boosting trade cooperation, saying the trade cooperation will eventually lead to stability.

South Sudan delegation to Khartoum included the presidential adviser on security affairs, Tut Gatluak, petroleum minister, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, finance minister, Stephen Dhieu Dau, and trade minister, Moses Hassan.