The Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Mohamed Ahmed Ibn-Oaf, received in his office Tuesday noon the Chief of Staff of the Republic of South Sudan, Gabriel Zuk Riek, and the accompanying delegation, in presence of the Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Kamal Abdul-Maarouf, and discussed common issues that serve the interest of security and stability in the two countries.

The Minister of Defence has affirmed specialty of the relations between the two countries and the exchange of visits between the commanders of the Armed Forces of Sudan and South Sudan for discussing the issues of mutual concern.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff of South Sudan State has commended the efforts being exerted by Sudan government, Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces in convincing the South Sudanese parties to sign the peace agreement.

He stressed the importance of cooperation and strengthening the relations between Sudan and South Sudan.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Kamal Abdul-Maarouf, has described the talks between the Sudanese and South Sudanese parties as constructive, fruitful and resulted in agreement on implementation of all the outstanding files in the relations between the two countries before the end of the current year.

He said that the two sides have discussed the cooperation between the two Armed Forces in the field of training and formation of joint forces.