Sudan, Egypt vow to enhance cooperation on security, joint development

KHARTOUM -- Sudan and Egypt on Thursday reiterated the importance of enhancing security, stability and development of the Red Sea area through closer cooperation.

In a joint communique issued in Khartoum at the conclusion of the second meeting of the quartet committee of Egyptian and Sudanese Foreign Ministers and Intelligence Chiefs, the two sides also agreed to continue coordination and support at all regional and international forums.

The two sides vowed to unite their visions of development and press ahead with proposals to establish structures that will bring them together to preserve their interests.

The two sides reviewed the steps made in support of the bilateral relations since the first quartet committee held in Cairo on Feb 8 and the positive developments achieved as reflected in the exchange of visits by officials at all levels.

The meeting also reviewed the progress in some joint projects such as the electricity linkage, the studies relating to a railway linkage between the two countries, and the Egyptian industrial city at Al-Gaily area north of Khartoum, in addition to boosting cooperation in fields of capacity building and training in all sectors.

Sudan's Foreign Minister Al-Dirdiri Mohamed Ahmed told reporters that the two countries spoke about the importance of reactivating what they have agreed on through the joint technical committee, particularly implementing the projects approved and the agreements reached.

The Egyptian side, for its part, reiterated full support to Sudan's security and stability, saying it is inseparable from Egypt's national security.

Egypt always supports the stability of Sudan and all efforts to achieve security and preserve the gains of the Sudanese people, and it is always ready to offer support based on the priorities and polices set by the Sudanese government, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told reporters.