Kiir and Bashir discuss border opening at Arab-African summit

The Sudanese and South Sudanese presidents have agreed to open the border between the two countries and implement the 2012 Cooperation Agreement, according to the South Sudanese presidential spokesman.

The Sudanese and South Sudanese presidents have agreed to open the border between the two countries and implement the 2012 Cooperation Agreement, according to the South Sudanese presidential spokesman. 

This comes during the sideline meeting of the African-Arab summit in the capital of Equatoria Guinea on Wednesday.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Presidential Press Secretary Ateny Wek Ateny said the two leaders discussed the importance of strengthening the bilateral relations and implementation of the cooperation agreement signed by the two countries.

“The two leaders agreed on the strengthening of the bilateral relations between the two countries. They also agreed not to support any rebel groups of both countries. South Sudan’s president stressed that there is not any Sudanese opposition in South Sudan,” said Ateny.

He added that the two leaders will direct the joint committees of both countries to implement what they have agreed on in the nearest possible time. 

The 2012 deal brokered a dispute over oil pipeline fees leading to the resumption of oil production in April 2013 after a shutdown of more than a year. But other aspects of the deal on borders, security, movement of citizens and other matters have not yet been implemented.

Separately, Ateny welcomed the move by the Sudanese authorities to not grant rebel leader Riek Machar entry to Khartoum.

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