Works of the Sudanese - Egyptian higher committee concluded in Khartoum

Sudan and Egypt have stressed the need of working to achieve peace in Sudan as soon as possible so as to maintain its territorial integrity and independence, This will be in the context of measures which guarantee freedoms, equality of human rights and duties for all Sudanese peoples.

These assertions came in conclusion of the meetings of the Egyptian- Sudanese joint higher committee which was held in Khartoum for two days under the chairmanship of the Sudanese (first) Vice President Ali Othman Muhammad Taha and the Egyptian prime minister Atef Ebeid.

During these meetings, the two sides signed 19 agreements and memorandum of understanding in the areas of strategic and economic cooperation. Taha said that integration and cooperation between Sudan and Egypt will be taken to new dimensions "that will surpass the formal borders and barriers by the strong will which is able to serve of the two peoples interests."

Minister of Petroleum Sameh Fahmi lauded Saturday the oil cooperation protocol to be inked Sunday during meetings of the Egyptian-Sudanese Higher Committee. He said Egypt will take part in the oil prospection projects in Sudan where many areas are promising.

These meetings are being held following the decision taken by the two states to revitalize integration agreements during the visit paid by President Hosni Mubarak to Khartoum by the end of April this year.