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.
-- BERNAMA