Sudan – South Africa Joint Communiqué, Khartoum, Sudan, 31 January – 1 February 2015
At the invitation of his brother and friend, His Excellency President Omer Albashir of the Republic of the Sudan, His Excellency Mr. Jacob Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa, leading an important delegation, undertook a working and friendly visit to the Republic of the Sudan from 31st January to 1st February 2015.
This visit is within the framework of the consolidation of solidarity, friendship and brotherly co-operation which has always existed between the Republic of the Sudan and the Republic of South Africa.
During this visit, the two Presidents exchanged views on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest.
At the bilateral level, the two Heads of State expressed satisfaction at the excellent relations and cooperation that happily exists between the two countries, and reaffirmed their commitment to reinforce and consolidate them. In this regard, the two Heads of State requested the respective Foreign Ministers to finalise and sign the Agreement for the establishment of a Joint Bilateral Commission to be co-chaired at a ministerial level.
The two Heads of State paid tribute to late Nelson Mandela.
On this occasion, the two Heads of State recalled the historical relations that have always existed between South Africa and the Sudan.
H.E. President Zuma expressed gratitude to the people of the Sudan for the support and solidarity extended to the people of South Africa during the struggle against apartheid.
H.E. President Zuma commended the efforts and courageous decisions of H.E. President Albashir in creating a conducive environment to attain peace and stability in the Sudan.
On his turn, H.E. President Albashir commended the efforts of H.E. President Zuma aimed at promoting social, economic and cultural development in South Africa.
The two Heads of State reviewed the ongoing conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. In this regard, they called on all parties to the conflict to show leadership and responsibility to bring an end to the war.
The two Heads of State noted trade imbalances between the two countries and reaffirmed their commitment to reinforce economic relations between their respective countries by means of encouraging private and public enterprises to further involve themselves in the building of partnerships, which can be a model of south-south cooperation.
The two Heads of State underlined the importance of the role of Sub-Regional African organisations for economic integration, peace, security and stability on the continent.
The two Presidents reaffirmed their support to the African Union and the United Nations as important institutions of consultation for the maintenance of regional and international security.
The two Heads of State highlighted the development agenda beyond 2015 and the need for all member states to harmonise their efforts for a more equitable and fair world.
The two Heads of State expressed support and solidarity to countries which have recently been affected by violent acts of terrorism.
H.E. President Jacob Zuma and H.E President Omer Albashir noted with satisfaction, their views on regional and international issues. They expressed their satisfaction at the cordial atmosphere which prevailed during their discussion.
At the end of his stay in the Republic of the Sudan, H.E. President Jacob Zuma expressed his gratitude and that of the people of South Africa to his Excellency President Omer Albashir and, through him, to the Government and people of the Sudan for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.
