Sudan reiterates keenness to enhance ties with S. Sudan

KHARTOUM, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Sudan on Monday stressed keenness to enhance ties with South Sudan and implement the agreements signed between the two countries, said a statement by Sudan's military press.

Sudanese First Vice-President and Defense Minister Awad Mohamed Ahmed Ibn Auf on Monday received South Sudan's Defense Minister Kuol Manyang Juuk in Khartoum, it said.

According to the statement, Ibn Auf renewed Sudan's commitment to enhancing the bilateral ties and completing the efforts to achieve peace and stability in South Sudan.

He said the stability in South Sudan serves the issue of development in the two countries, enables utilization of resources for the interests of the two countries and helps the implementation of the previously signed agreements.

Juuk, for his part, expressed his country's appreciation of Sudan's efforts to achieve peace in South Sudan.

He stressed the importance of opening the border passages between the two countries, facilitating the movement of commodities and citizens, and blocking the security gaps.

Juuk arrived in Khartoum on Sunday to take part in the meetings of the joint political and security committee between the two countries, which is scheduled to begin in Khartoum on Tuesday.