Sudan calls on Egypt for negotiation to resolve Halayeb, Shalateen issue

Sudan on Sunday called on Egypt for direct negotiations to resolve the issue of Halayeb and Shalateen areas disputed over by the two countries.

"Sudan calls on the brothers in the Arab Republic of Egypt to sit for direct negotiations to resolve this issue like what was done with the brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or resort to the international arbitration in compliance with international laws and conventions as it is the criterion for such cases the way it happened in returning Taba to the Egyptian sovereignty," Sudan's foreign ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said it was following the agreement between Egypt and Saudi Arabia for returning Tiran and Sanafir islands to the kingdom.

It noted that the deal reached between Egypt and Saudi Arabia concerns Sudan due to its connection with Halayeb and Shalateen areas and the surrounding shores.

The Sudanese foreign ministry reiterated its full keenness to closely follow up the deal to preserve Sudan's full rights and make sure that what has been agreed upon would not touch Sudan's sovereign, historical and legal rights in Shalateen and Halayeb areas and the surrounding shores.

Sudan and Egypt have been disputing over Shalateen and Halayeb areas as each country claims their sovereign affiliation.

Source: XINHUA