South Sudanese government Spokesperson Dr Barnaba Marial at a Press briefing in Juba. [Gurtong | Waakhe Simon Wudu]
By Waakhe Simon Wudu
JUBA, 01 September 2012 [Gurtong] - South Sudanese government Spokesperson Dr Barnaba Marial told the press that, officials of the two governments since started the talks on Thursday.
“It is a beginning of dialogue on how to normalise situations between the two countries,” Marial said.
“The discussion had started and it is a signal that the Republic of Sudan and South Sudan can begin certain matters that concern the two States. It is a good signal and reflects the new move of resolving issues between the two countries,” he said.
The meeting started after the South Sudanese Deputy Foreign Minister Rahamtallah Mohamed Osman arrived in Juba yesterday following invitation by the South Sudan government.
Besides outstanding issues, basic problems such as closure of flights, road transport among others between the two countries sprung prior to the South Sudan secession and even before.
The South Sudanese Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Charles Manyang De Wol said the first phase of the talks is focused on the resumption of the flights between the two states.
Up on his arrival yesterday to Juba, Mohamed told the press that, his mission is to boost foreign relations with the infant nation.
“Our role in the ministry of foreign affairs is to strengthen the relations with the Republic of South Sudan more than any of our neighbouring countries,” Mohamed said.
He added that “Our strategy in the foreign ministry of Republic of Sudan is that, the Republic of South Sudan is not a geographical matter only but it has the additional value to the relation of a neighbour.”