South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Tuesday met the head of Darfur rebel faction Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM-MM) Minni Arko Minawi.

Speaking to reporters in Juba after meeting with Kiir, Minawi said the meeting focused on efforts to restore peace and stability in Sudan after the ouster of long-time leader Omar al-Bashir.

“I came in response to the invitation extended by President Salva Kiir Mayardit to discuss issues relating to peace in Sudan,” Minawi said.

The Sudanese rebel commander revealed that they asked President Kiir to incorporate some countries in the region to be part of the ongoing efforts to restore peace in Sudan.

“We requested President Kiir to meet the regional leaders, particularly leaders of Chad, Egypt and Ethiopia so that they can also play a key role in the peace process in Sudan,” Minnawi said.

“The meeting resolved that we need to start taking practical steps towards creating a solid ground for peace in Sudan,” he added.

On his part, Kiir’s adviser for security affairs Tut Gatluak said the president vowed to help bring lasting peace to Sudan. “We want Chad, Egypt and our friends to be partners in the ongoing efforts to make peace in Sudan,” he said.

The meeting comes days after President Kiir met with the leader of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), Gibril Ibrahim Mohamed.