During his visit to Juba, Darfur Regional Governor Minni Minnawi held talks with South Sudanese Presidential Adviser on Security Affairs Tut Gatluak on a number of issues of mutual concern, foremost among them developments in Sudan, the situation of members of the Sudanese community and Sudanese refugees, the humanitarian crisis resulting from the war, and ways of supporting peace and stability in both countries.
The meeting addressed the challenges and problems facing members of the Sudanese community in South Sudan and ways of resolving them in coordination with the relevant authorities, in a manner that guarantees their rights and facilitates their circumstances, particularly amid the humanitarian and economic conditions imposed by the war.
The two sides also discussed the situation of Sudanese refugees in South Sudan and the importance of strengthening humanitarian efforts and facilitating access to aid and essential services. They also discussed efforts to create conditions that would enable those wishing to return to their areas in Sudan to do so voluntarily and safely.
The meeting also addressed the importance of securing the shared border and strengthening coordination between the two countries to prevent activities that threaten the security of citizens and the stability of border areas. Both sides emphasized that the security of Sudan and South Sudan is a shared interest and that the stability of one country has a direct impact on the other.
Minnawi underscored the importance of the historical and social ties linking the Sudanese and South Sudanese peoples, stressing the need for continued communication and coordination between the two countries to address the repercussions of the war and humanitarian crisis and to preserve regional security and stability.
Minnawi reaffirmed Sudan’s position in support of the country’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He stressed that any approach to resolving the Sudanese crisis must preserve Sudan’s unity, the independence of its national decision-making, and its territorial integrity, adding that lasting peace must be based on principles that safeguard the rights and aspirations of the Sudanese people.
For his part, South Sudanese Presidential Adviser on Security Affairs Tut Gatluak stressed the importance of continued consultation and coordination between the two countries. He noted South Sudan’s commitment to strengthening its relations with Sudan and working jointly to address issues of concern to the two peoples.
The two sides agreed to continue coordination on humanitarian, security, and border-related issues and to strengthen cooperation in ways that contribute to stability, protect citizens, and further develop the fraternal relations between Sudan and South Sudan.
