Tantawi: Egypt and Sudan are twins

Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismael said the Sudanese government insists on the reestablishment of Egyptian relations.

Mohammed Said Tantawi, Al-Azhar's Sheikh, in Cairo stated during his reception of Ismael and his accompanying delegation that Egypt and Sudan are "twins" refering to the close historic relations between the two countries.

Tantawi said, "Our associations in religion and beliefs obliges us to cooperate and have affection for each other," adding that this should lead to more "cooperation and brotherhood."

The Sudanese foreign minister asked Tantawi to supply Sudan with delegations from the al-Azhar to increase religious awareness, and to provide opportunities for the Sudanese to pursue higher studies at Al-Azhar University.

Dr. Mofeed Shehab, the Egyptian minister of higher education and scientific research also met with the Sudanese foreign minister. The meeting dealt with the enhancement of Egyptian-Sudanese relations, especially in education and culture, in the framework of the Sudanese desire for the reestablishment of relations between the two countries.

The meeting also addressed the restoration of Egyptian properties, confiscated by the Sudanese government six years ago, to Egypt. These include schools, property of the ministry of irrigation and a branch of Cairo University in Khartoum.

Ismael confirmed Sudan's interest in eliminating the problems that occurred in Egyptian - Sudanese relations over the last six years and in reestablishing relations.