New negotiation round between Sudan's to kick off Sunday

A new negotiation round between Sudan and South Sudan is scheduled to kick off Sunday in Khartoum.

The talks will deal with a coordination mechanism by which to implement bilateral agreements and other matters of mutual concern.

South Sudan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Barnaba Marial Benjamin arrived in Khartoum on a four-day visit to chair his country's delegation.

He said that the delegation will take part in Sudan's 60th anniversary of independence.

He added that his country was part of Sudan for 56 years, and that the two countries are "one Sudan in two states"

Benjamin called for opening the border between the states of Sudan and South Sudan and allowing the freedom of citizen movement between the two countries, noting it will be a move to strengthen trade relations between the two countries.

He also expressed hope that peace, unity and progress would be achieved for the people of Sudan as a whole.

He praised Sudan's role at the African Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) to achieve peace in South Sudan.

For his part, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said the visiting minister will participate in the festivities of Sudan’s Independence.

Also, he confirmed that they will hold a meeting on Sunday to discuss bilateral issues.

Ghandour said that the participation of the South Sudanese foreign minister in the country's Independence Day celebrations emphasizes the depth of brotherly relations between the two countries.

He added that Sudan looks forward to establishing strong relations with the new nation, pointing to historical ties between the two parties of the former Sudan.

The two countries signed a cooperation agreement in September 2012 to settle pending issues after the secession of South Sudan.

Source: MENA