Akhbar Al-Youm: Egyptian-Sudanese unity becomes necessity

Egypt's Presidential Adviser Osama Al-Baz said that the Egyptian- Sudanese unity had become a necessity in today's world where small economic blocs could not stand competition with major ones. Speaking Saturday to the Independent Sudanese newspaper Akhbar Al-Youm, Al-Baz noted that Egyptian-Sudanese relations were still not up to the level hoped for, remarking that today's challenges entailed political, economic and cultural integration between the two states.

Such integration should also include Libya, he said, pointing out that the three countries had joint strategic interest and were forming a significant triangle. Also, Al-Baz remarked that the two countries had to reach a strategic common vision relating to national security, adding that the Nile Valley people had to be united.

As to Nile water issues, the presidential advisor noted that there were related agreements regulating Nile basin countries' water quotas, stressing that stability in Africa was the most important issue.

On strengthening relations between the three countries towards unity, al-Baz said that there should be inter-governmental cooperation, promotion of cultural relations and realization of integration.