Al Bashir Emphasizes need for Sudan-Egypt Mechanism to Implement West Nile Project

President of the Republic Field Marshal Omer Hassan Ahmed Al Bashir affirmed Sunday the need for setting up a mechanism between Sudan and Egypt to implement West Nile Project as well as other projects.

The mechanism will be co-chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the two countries and will comprise ministries of agriculture, energy, mining and irrigation.

The President made the statement during a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamil Amr who conveyed a message from Field Marshal Tantawi to President Al Bashir dealing with bilateral relations.

The Egyptian FM told reporters after the meeting with the President that Egypt would continue to support Sudan at all international forums and stands ready to mediate between Sudan and South Sudan whenever it is required to do so, adding that the two sides agreed to activate an agreement for wheat cultivation in the Sudan as part of joint economic projects.

The two countries also agreed to conclude agreements on food, development and the organization of trade fair for Egyptian products in Khartoum soon.

The Minister added that trade exchange between the two countries would also be expanded.

The two Foreign Ministers addressed a joint press conference in Khartoum. Karti said relations between the two countries are growing, citing ongoing coordination and exchange of views. He described his counterpart’s tour as useful for both countries.

For his part, the Egyptian minister told the press conference that his talks in Khartoum represented a good opportunity to keep Khartoum in the loop regarding the outcome of his tour in the countries of the Nile basin.

It is worth mentioning that the Egyptian Foreign Minister is visiting Sudan as part of a tour of the Nile Basin countries including South Sudan. He arrived in Khartoum Saturday and told reporters that Sudan and Egypt now speak in one voice with regard to water issues.