ID :
161440
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 09:51
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/161440
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SUDAN ASSURES STRONGER BILATERAL TIES WITH MALAYSIA IN NEW ERA
By R. Ravichandran
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 16 (Bernama) -- Sudan's bilateral ties with Malaysia, both economic and political, will grow stronger in the new era, despite a decision by Southern Sudan to secede from the North.
Giving this assurance, Sudanese Ambassador to Malaysia Nadir Yousif Eltayeb noted that with the separation which put an end to decades of protracted conflict with the south, the north could now focus more on the economic development and social welfare of the people, as well as security.
He said the new era of stability and security would enable the Sudan Government to fully concentrate on tapping the huge economic potential and natural resources of the country.
This would, thus, boost its bilateral relations with friendly countries like Malaysia, which is an important player in its economy.
On the political front too, Nadir said was confident that stronger ties would flourish, as the Sudan Government under President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir had always worked for stronger ties with Malaysia, since coming to power.
"We appreciate the support and friendly ties of our brothers...despite the separation, Sudan still remains strong and vibrant and will continue to play an active role in regional and global affairs, working together with countries like Malaysia," he told Bernama in an interview at his office here Wednesday.
Nadir assured that the new political landscape would not, in any way, affect the Khartoum-Kuala Lumpur bilateral relations and Malaysia's economic and political interests, as the president had expressed strong commitment to work with Southern Sudan for the betterment of the people of north and south.
Malaysian national oil company, Petronas, has oilfields in the North and South but its headquarters is based in Khartoum.
More than 98 per cent of Southern Sudanese voted to secede from the North, in the referendum held from Jan 9 to 15. The split will make Southern Sudan as the world's newest country in July, although the name of the new country has not been decided.
Nadir said in this new era, Sudan hoped Malaysia would continue to render political and economic support to enable the country and the people to develop and prosper further.
On the separation, Nadir admitted that it was painful, but pointed out that Bashir had fullfilled the government's promises and obligations under the 2005 peace agreement and had accepted and recognised the referendum results.
As such, he said, now was the time for the international community to appreciate the sincerity of the president and the sacrifices made in the interest of peace.
"With this sacrifice, it is unfair for any country to continue to undermine Sudan anymore or tarnish the image of the country and its leaders. The international community, to be fair to the president, should award him with a peace prize for his peace-making role," he said.
"A great history has been made although it was a difficult and painful one...the president has shown his sincerity and genuine commitment to peace. He should be commended for this," noted Nadir.
Meanwhile, the ambassador also assured Malaysians travelling to Sudan that they could obtain the visa, either here at the embassy or at the Khartoum International Aiport upon arrival.
He said the embassy had received reports there was some confusion over the matter among airlines and travel agencies.
"Rest assured, there is no problem whatsoever...visa procedures for
Malaysians remain the same," he said.
Sudan grants a one-month visa for Malaysians and beyond that, Malaysians can apply to extend that period.
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 16 (Bernama) -- Sudan's bilateral ties with Malaysia, both economic and political, will grow stronger in the new era, despite a decision by Southern Sudan to secede from the North.
Giving this assurance, Sudanese Ambassador to Malaysia Nadir Yousif Eltayeb noted that with the separation which put an end to decades of protracted conflict with the south, the north could now focus more on the economic development and social welfare of the people, as well as security.
He said the new era of stability and security would enable the Sudan Government to fully concentrate on tapping the huge economic potential and natural resources of the country.
This would, thus, boost its bilateral relations with friendly countries like Malaysia, which is an important player in its economy.
On the political front too, Nadir said was confident that stronger ties would flourish, as the Sudan Government under President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir had always worked for stronger ties with Malaysia, since coming to power.
"We appreciate the support and friendly ties of our brothers...despite the separation, Sudan still remains strong and vibrant and will continue to play an active role in regional and global affairs, working together with countries like Malaysia," he told Bernama in an interview at his office here Wednesday.
Nadir assured that the new political landscape would not, in any way, affect the Khartoum-Kuala Lumpur bilateral relations and Malaysia's economic and political interests, as the president had expressed strong commitment to work with Southern Sudan for the betterment of the people of north and south.
Malaysian national oil company, Petronas, has oilfields in the North and South but its headquarters is based in Khartoum.
More than 98 per cent of Southern Sudanese voted to secede from the North, in the referendum held from Jan 9 to 15. The split will make Southern Sudan as the world's newest country in July, although the name of the new country has not been decided.
Nadir said in this new era, Sudan hoped Malaysia would continue to render political and economic support to enable the country and the people to develop and prosper further.
On the separation, Nadir admitted that it was painful, but pointed out that Bashir had fullfilled the government's promises and obligations under the 2005 peace agreement and had accepted and recognised the referendum results.
As such, he said, now was the time for the international community to appreciate the sincerity of the president and the sacrifices made in the interest of peace.
"With this sacrifice, it is unfair for any country to continue to undermine Sudan anymore or tarnish the image of the country and its leaders. The international community, to be fair to the president, should award him with a peace prize for his peace-making role," he said.
"A great history has been made although it was a difficult and painful one...the president has shown his sincerity and genuine commitment to peace. He should be commended for this," noted Nadir.
Meanwhile, the ambassador also assured Malaysians travelling to Sudan that they could obtain the visa, either here at the embassy or at the Khartoum International Aiport upon arrival.
He said the embassy had received reports there was some confusion over the matter among airlines and travel agencies.
"Rest assured, there is no problem whatsoever...visa procedures for
Malaysians remain the same," he said.
Sudan grants a one-month visa for Malaysians and beyond that, Malaysians can apply to extend that period.
