Karti praises Germany

Ali Karti is keen to see more investment in Sudan Khartoum - Abedalgoum Ashmeag The controversial Sudan Economic Forum got underway in Germany on Tuesday with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Karti part of a delegation including Khartoum governor Abdul-Rahman al-Khidir, Red Sea governor Mohamed Tahiraala and several businessmen. In his opening speech, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle reaffirmed his country's commitment to resolving the Sudan and South Sudan crisis. He called for stability and security between the two parties and urged the Sudanese government to pay attention to freedom and human rights, which represent "the core of human relations among all people." The Forum has been widely condemned by human rights organisations, with Sudanese activist Hawa Mohamed Saleh claiming the event supports the Khartoum regime in its crimes against humanity in Sudan. Speaking to reporters last week, Saleh said the Sudanese government "has committed genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur and similarly in the Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile." Sudanese minister Karti said that his country is committed to implementation of the peace agreement signed with South Sudan, along with other agreements that pave the way for promoting peace and stability in the two countries. He reviewed the full potential of his country and pointed to the encouraging investment climate which has become more attractive after investors were given guarantees. Karti thanked Germany for holding the Forum and said that Sudan is doing more to preserve freedoms and respect human rights. Khartoum governor Abdul-Rahman al-Khidir outlined his country's vision of investment opportunities in the field of infrastructure. Deputy-governor of the Central Bank of Sudan,  Badr al-Din Mahmud gave a presentation on investment opportunities in Sudan, adding that he is hopeful that Germany will invest in the fields of agriculture and mining. Sudan Economic Forum looks at the economic, financial and legal framework for investment in Sudan and South Sudan, in addition to Sudanese energy resources, mining and water.