Africa and of the Sudan on the occasion of the official visit to the Republic
of South Africa, in Cape Town, South Africa
7 November 2007
At the invitation of His Excellency Mr Thabo Mbeki, President of the
Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Omer Hassan Ahmed El Bashir,
President of the Republic of the Sudan, paid a working visit to the Republic of
South Africa from 5 to 7 November 2007.
The President of the Republic of Sudan was accompanied by the Sudan first
lady, Mrs Widad Babiker, Cabinet Ministers and senior Sudanese government
officials. The President of the Sudan also met and held discussions with the
Business Community of South Africa.
The two leaders reiterated their commitment to further consolidate bilateral
relations between the two countries in order to maximise the benefits of mutual
co-operation.
This commitment was given practical meaning in the signing of the following
agreements:
* The Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Economic Co-operation
* Agreement for the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments
* Agreement on Co-operation in the Fields of Arts and Culture
* Statement of Intent on Social Development
* Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Co-operation
* Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation on Immigration, Population and
Election Matters; and
* Bilateral Trade Co-operation Agreement.
The two leaders committed themselves to ensuring full implementation of the
agreements as well as the conclusion and signing of outstanding agreements.
Furthermore, the two Heads of State agreed to elevate the existing Joint
Bilateral Commission to a Ministerial level. Previously led by Heads of
Department of Foreign Affairs, the commission will now be led by the South
African Minister of Trade and Industry and the Sudanese Minister of
International Co-operation.
The two Heads of State discussed progress and challenges in the
implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that was signed
between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army
(SPLM/A) in January 2005, which serves as an important foundation to achieve
lasting peace, security and stability in Sudan. They reiterated their
commitment to continue working together for effective implementation of the
CPA.
President El Bashir briefed President Mbeki on the evolving situation in
Western Sudan region of Darfur and the ongoing peace talks in Sirte, Libya
under the joint auspices of the United Nations (UN) and the African Union
(AU).
The two Heads of State reiterated their commitment to work towards ending
the human suffering faced by the people of Darfur. To this end, they reaffirmed
their commitment to the implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) and
to ensure a successful outcome of the current peace process and the rapid and
effective deployment of the joint UN-AU peacekeeping operation.
They called on all non-signatories to the DPA and armed groups, in
particular, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) faction led by Abdel
Wahid El Nur, the SLM/A Unity and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM)
faction led by Khalil Ibrahim to engage in the ongoing political dialogue with
a view to achieve lasting peace and security in the Darfur region.
Issued by: The Presidency
7 November 2007
