October 5, 2022 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and the head of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council, Gen Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan on Wednesday discussed security and bilateral relations between the two countries.
South Sudan’s presidential advisor, Tut Gatluak Manime said the two leaders also explored ways of strengthening peace, security as well as economic cooperation.
“It was a courtesy call by His Excellency, Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan on his brother Gen Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Chairman of the Sovereign Council of Sudan to hear from him and update themselves on the general situation in Sudan and South Sudan”, he explained.
Manime described discussions between the two leaders as “cordial and friendly”.
The Sudanese government, according to Manime, distanced itself from the recent Western Kordofan state in which gunmen killed over 19 South Sudanese nationals.
The attack occurred in Muglad, a town hosting several South Sudanese nationals.
“His Excellency Gen Al-Burhan assured his brother Gen Salva Kiir Mayardit of the control of the situation and that everything has returned to normal. People have resumed their normal activities and investigations are going on to establish the truth and the government would handle the situation according to the law,” stressed Manime.
He added, “This situation should therefore be left to the leadership of the two leaders at the level of the presidency. His Excellency the president has also received a condolence message from his brother Gen Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan to the family members of those who have lost their love”.
The Sudanese government, Manime disclosed, vowed to probe the attack incident
On Monday, the Sudanese embassy in Juba said its government treasures strong bilateral relations based on “shared history, common values, mutual respect, trust, and the desire to establish strong bilateral relations between them in all areas.”
Relations between South Sudan and Sudan are improving following the efforts of the leadership of the two countries to open a new page of cooperation in pursuit of mutual interest and benefits. In 2012, two countries signed a Cooperation Agreement allowing the citizens of either country a right to reside, move, seek employment, acquire, own, and dispose property without restriction.
Currently, Sudan is reportedly hosting more than 800,000 South Sudanese refugees who mostly live in the country’s troubled western region of Darfur.
(ST)
