Sudan, Chad Agree on Connecting Chad to the Red Sea

[John Ashworth]

Sudan, Chad Agree on Connecting the Latter to the Red Sea

Sudan Vision
By Mohammed Abdallah  , 05/12/11

Khartoum – Sudan and Chad agreed Monday on linking Chad with the Red Sea harbours through railways and tarmac roads besides expediting the steps to accomplish the project thus allowing Chad to export its products through the Sudanese seaports.

The Presidents of Sudan and Chad conducted joint talks in Khartoum in which they affirmed the deep-rooted relations between Sudan and Chad and further pledged to boost them.

In a joint press conference President Al Bashir stated that Idris Debby's visit comes in the framework of the interconnection between the two countries describing relations between the two as at its best, pointing out that the normalization of relations came as a result of the religious and cultural links between Sudan and Chad.

He added that the talks concentrated on improving the economical, security and political relations between the two countries, stressing on the importance of establishing a railway to link the two countries.

For his part, the Chadian President described the relations between the two countries as deep-rooted, adding that his talks with his Sudanese counterpart tackled the strategic and economical dimension between Khartoum and N'djamena

He pointed out that the commercial exchange between the two countries reached its highest levels, lauding the security development on the borders.

On the Darfur issue Debbi lauded the improvement in the humanitarian and security situation in the region. "The security situation is improving a matter that contributed in the return of the refugees to their home villages in Sudan." Debbi said

On his part, Sudanese Foreign Minister, Ali Karti affirmed that the visit comes in the framework of reviewing the development and economical integration dossiers after the two countries overcome the borders security file.

He added that there are serious talks on linking Chad with Sudan in road transport through tarmac roads and railways.

On the railway issue, Karti affirmed that the steps on implementing the project will start soon considering that Chad became an oil exporting state.

On his part, Sudan's ambassador to Chad, Lt. Gen. Abbas Arabi said that the Sudanese President agreed to mediate to normalize relations between Chad and Libya, affirming that Al Bashir received positive responses from the Libyan side.

He added that the visit is to put the final touches on that issue.

It is worth noting that the Chadian President arrived in Khartoum yesterday noon in a 6-hour visit where he was received by President Al Bashir and other Sudanese officials.