Egypt-Sudan talks cover all areas of cooperation

Egyptian Sudanese ministers agreed in meetings on the sidelines of the Egyptian-Sudanese Higher Commission, which began yesterday in Cairo, to enhance cooperation ties between the two states in all domains.

Minister of Foreign Trade Youssef Boutros Ghali and his Sudanese opposite number, Abdul Hamid Moussa decided to draft a timetable to eliminate obstacles to the implementation of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) agreement between the two states, and to apply COMESA customs exemptions on Egyptian and Sudanese exports.

Minister of Electricity Hassan Younes announced after his meeting with the Sudanese Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Majzoub Khalifa that the decision had been made to form an Egyptian-Sudanese group to link both states to the same grid, which is part of a greater Arab project, and to establish a joint company for electricity projects in Sudan and other African countries.

Minister of Wakfs (religious endowments), Mahmoud Hamdi Zaqzouq discussed with his Sudanese counterpart, Issam Ahmed el-Bashir the exchange of books, printed material and research on religious affairs.

Both ministers approved an increase in scholarships offered by the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs to Sudanese students.

Minister of Interior Habib El-Adli discussed with the Sudan's Agriculture Minister new visas facilities for Sudanese nationals at all border points and airports in Egypt.

Sudan should benefit considerably from the experience and technical expertise of Egypt's Interior Ministry, Khalifa said, adding that he was eager to extend cooperation for training Sudanese police officers.

First Sudanese Vice-President Ali Osman Taha arrived in Cairo yesterday at the head of a delegation to attend the Egyptian-Sudanese Joint Committee meetings, which will be co-chaired by Prime Minister Atef Ebeid.

The committee will have reviewed a series of bilateral issues, foremost of which will be means of establishing joint projects in industry, agriculture and pharmaceuticals, along with discussions on facilitating the movement of goods and services between the two states.

The removal of travel restrictions on Egyptian and Sudanese citizens between the two states will also be discussed.