Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun holds talks with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Karti

From February 20 to 22, 2011, Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun visited Sudan, met with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, held talks with Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Karti and attended the signing ceremony of the agreement on the Chinese government’s assistance to Sudan. Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Li Chengwen was present at those activities.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir meets with Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun

Zhai said that China and Sudan enjoy traditional friendship. The two countries always support each other and treat each other sincerely since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties. The bilateral friendly cooperation in various fields develops stably and brings about tangible benefits to the two peoples, which has become a modal of “South-South cooperation”. The success of south Sudan referendum is another positive step towards the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). China would like to extend congratulations on the referendum and highly appreciates the unremitting efforts of the Sudanese government and President al-Bashir. China expects to maintain close communications and coordination with Sudan, firmly supports Sudan’s north-south peace process and will play a positive and constructive role of promoting the solution of the Darfur issue.

Ambassador Li Chengwen and Sudanese official exchange China-Sudan Economic and Technological Cooperation Agreement

The Sudanese side extended warm welcome to Zhai and noted that his visit, being paid at the occasion of the positive progress of Sudan’s implementation of the CPA and the successful completion and announcement of the result of south Sudan referendum, is very important. The Sudanese government appreciates the great long-term support of the Chinese side and will make efforts to promote the development of Sudan-China friendly cooperation.

Zhai visited Juba, capital of the government of south Sudan later.