Tut Gatluak, Presidential Afvisor on Security Affairs shakes hand with President Kiir after delivering comprehensive report |Courtesy

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has received a comprehensive report from the delegation that recently visited Port Sudan to engage in discussions on bilateral cooperation with the Sudanese authorities.

‎The team was led by Presidential Advisor on National Security Affairs, Tut Gatluak Manime. Tut informed the President of the meeting’s outcomes, during which the two sides engaged in discussions on security, oil, trade, and investment.

‎Tut said the government has expressed its commitment to safeguarding and securing the oil fields in Panthou or Heglig to guarantee the uninterrupted flow of crude oil.

According to Sudan News Agency (SUNA), following a series of meeting this week, Sudan and South Sudan agreed to facilitate the import and export of oil and other goods through a new free zone in Port Sudan.

This is while strengthening cooperation in the oil sector, including securing and operating oil fields and exchanging technical expertise,

The agreement is part of broader efforts to enhance economic ties and promote stability between the two countries.

According to the joint statement, both governments have agreed to establish a High Economic Committee jointly chaired by the Sudanese Prime Minister and the Vice President of South Sudan.

They also pledged to activate other joint committees, expand smart partnerships, and exchange political and diplomatic support in regional and international forums.

The two sides further committed to enhancing banking and financial cooperation and prioritizing the welfare of citizens in both countries.

The joint statement emphasized that both nations are determined to strengthen their contributions to peace and stability, while fostering economic growth, trade, and technical collaboration, particularly in the oil sector.

The establishment of the Port Sudan free zone is expected to streamline trade, boost regional commerce, and create opportunities for closer economic integration between Sudan and South Sudan.

South Sudan and Sudan also reached a landmark agreement to review the status of their citizens living in both nations.

The discussions centered on the practical hurdles affecting citizens, with a specific focus on immigration and residency issues.

To ensure these concerns are addressed systematically, the ministers agreed to form a joint Committee that is dedicated to reviewing the legal status of citizens in both countries and develop sustainable solutions to their challenges.

Both sides resolved to reactivate pending memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and existing bilateral agreements with both governments stressing on the need for official v exchange visits to maintain momentum and ensure cooperation between relevant authorities.