Sudan flights Khartoum – Abedalgoum Ashmeag On Friday Sudan agreed with South Sudan to resume flights between them after they were stopped last April following the occupation of the disputed oil rich state of Heglig. This agreement was signed at the end of discussions which included the Undersecretary of the Sudanese Foreign Minister, Ambassador Rahmatallah Mohamed Osman in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
Rahmatallah Mohamed Osman said in his statement: “The implementation of the agreement depends on the readiness of the airlines.”
The ambassador Rahmatallah Mohamed Osman who represents the Sudanese government and the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport David Martin who represents the government of South Sudan signed the agreement.
Rahmatallah said: “We will soon begin the discussions on land and river traffic. Khartoum has taken strict measures to prevent commercial land traffic between the two countries and its authorities issued fines and confiscated the cars of those who violated those procedures, especially in cities bordering the southern state.”
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport in the south’s government, David Martin expressed his hope that the agreement to resume flights between the two countries will be the beginning of resuming land and river traffic.
He added in his statements: "The agreement will serve those who track the interests of Sudan and Southern Sudan."
The Undersecretary of the Sudanese Foreign conducted long discussions with foreign, interior and transport ministers in southern Sudan. The Sudanese visit was met with satisfaction in Juba as it comes at a time when Khartoum and Juba are preparing to resume their negotiations in Addis Ababa next week.
The source in the government of South Sudan said: "The Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry will leave Juba and travel back to Khartoum on Saturday.” The source did not announce if Rahmatallah will meet with the President of South Sudan General Salva Kiir Mayardit, or not.
The source later hinted that the visit by the Sudanese official does not include a meeting with Salva Kiir, the Undersecretary of State who pre-released a statement reading: "The visit to Juba is important and has a special and important agenda regarding regional and international coordination on common issues, especially foreign debt as the negotiations require a joint committee to meet with the creditors to write off Sudan's foreign debt ($36 billion including benefits)."
"We must know the stance of the Government of South Sudan on the issue of debt and on other issues."
The member of the Parliament of South Sudan, Deng Chol said: "The visit of Rahmatallah should be a step forward on the road to focusing on mutual interests and benefits."
Deng said to Arabstoday: "The South needs Sudan and Sudan needs the South.”
"The separation of the South from the north last year does not mean for us the end of relations.”
He expressed his hope that the upcoming round of negotiations will succeed and resolve the dispute over the border, security and other pending issues.