South Sudan strengthens bilateral relations with Sudan

By Kidega Livingstone

South Sudan and Sudan have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations further and as well work towards fostering peace in the region.

The two leaders also agreed to open up four border crossing points in relation to promoting peace and business between South Sudan and Sudan.

According to reports following discussions between President Salva Kiir and Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok over the weekend, the official launch of the reopening of the border points between the two countries will be on October 1.

Among the points to be reopened include Jebeleen–Renk, Meiram, Buram -Tumsah and Kharsana – Panakuac, a communique issued following their meeting said.

Kiir and Hamdok agreed on fostering bilateral relations between the two countries, helping to maintain peace in both countries and the region.

They also agreed to continue discussing agreements on trade and economic free zone and transit arrangements, resumption of cargo and passenger movement by land, river and railways and as well removing of all barriers hindering bank transactions and opening of branches of banks from each of the two countries in the other, the communique said.

The leaders also agreed on establishing a joint strategy in the fields of oil and gas and establishing follow up mechanisms and strengthening coordination and cooperation to optimize utilization of resources and productivity in oil and gas sectors.

They discussed the current regional situation and affirmed their commitment to regional peace and stability and the role of IGAD in ensuring regional cooperation and promoting the joined efforts to address the current challenges facing the region, the communique said.