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JUBA - 24 Jun 2013

Meetings in Juba, China, Addis to strengthen Juba-Khartoum relations

The Africa Peace and Security Council is expected to hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the developments in the relationship between Sudan and South Sudan. It will occur at the same time as the second round of strategic dialogue to be held between Sudan and China in Beijing during the next two days.

In this round, that will look into issues of bilateral relations between the two countries. The Sudan delegation will be led the by Assistant to the Sudanese President, Dr Nafie Ali Nafie, with Vice President Liwuan Shao leading the Chinese team.

Sudan News Agency (SUNA) quoted diplomatic sources as saying that “the Council will hear a report from the Commissioner of the African peace and security on the latest developments between the two countries in the wake of the decision of Sudan to stop pumping of South Sudan oil through its territory”.

Sudan's ambassador to China, Omar Issa told Al Shorouk News on Saturday that the strategic dialogue will address issues to confirm the fundamentals of the relationship between the two countries, sign a number of trade and economic agreements, as well as endorse a permanent mutual coordination between the two parties in an international forum.

Some government sources told Sudan Tribune that the relationship between Khartoum and Juba will be moot in the Chinese dialogue considering that Sudanese oil is one of the most important item topping the agenda.

Nhial Deng Nhial, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan held talks with the Chinese Ambassador to Juba, Hong Jinhua about the current crisis with Sudan.

In a press statement following the meeting, Nhial pointed out that the talks included bilateral relations between the two countries as well as China's efforts in the convergence of views between Juba and Khartoum. He added that Beijing is keen on the stability and strengthening of relations between Sudan and South Sudan.

The Minister noted that South Sudan seeks to maintain good relations with Sudan and confirms its full commitment to peace deals signed last September between the two countries.

Chinese Ambassador Hong Jinhua described the meeting with the minister Nhial as “very constructive”, expressing his optimism that Juba and Khartoum will soon reach the best solutions that serve the interests of the citizens of both countries.

File photo: Assistant to the Sudanese President, Dr Nafie Ali Nafie