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Egyptian, Sudanese FMs Meet to Diffuse Tension | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukru (L) and his Sudanese counterpart Ibrahim Ghandour give a press conference in Khartoum. (AFP)


Khartoum – The Egyptian-Sudanese Joint Political Consultation concluded its meetings on Thursday, with an agreement to overcome obstacles and reach a “satisfactory” level of bilateral relations.

Co-chaired by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Sudanese counterpart Ibrahim Ghandour, the meetings were held in Khartoum amid tension between the two countries on a number of issues, including the escalating dispute on sovereignty over the Halayeb triangle, the position towards Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam and the halt of import of Egyptian food commodities.

Speaking at a joint press conference, the two ministers described the meetings as proof of both countries’ willingness to enhance bilateral relations.

They also reiterated the importance of continued coordination between the two foreign ministries and the concerned bodies and institutions to achieve common benefits of the two peoples.

The two officials stressed commitment to working together to find solutions for all the issues obstructing the historical ties between Sudan and Egypt.

Ghandour revealed the launching of Egyptian-Sudanese security and military cooperation that would complement the political and bilateral tracks.

“We have pointed to the importance of military cooperation, and in accordance with the directives of the heads of the two countries the Sudanese Defense Minister will visit Egypt soon to discuss all relevant files with his Egyptian counterpart,” Ghandour said.

Shoukri told reporters that his country regarded the relationship with Sudan as “sacred”.

“We always describe our relationship as holy, because it is a continuous and eternal relationship on both the governmental and popular levels,” he said.

The Egyptian official also stressed that the two countries have agreed to unite their stances on regional and international issues to face the devastating situation that the region has witnessed over the past seven years.