Egypt and Sudan aspire to “agricultural integration”

Sudan and Egypt have signed a series of agreements designed to improve commercial and agricultural cooperation between the two countries, news agencies report. In a statement issued on 8 July at the conclusion of talks on bilateral cooperation, the joint Egyptian-Sudanese High Committee emphasised the importance of “reactivating commercial exchange” of those commodities which could improve food security. The statement added that agreement had also been reached on implementation of a joint agricultural strategy, including work on the introduction of agricultural technologies, and the rehabilitation of a joint Egyptian-Sudanese company aimed at fostering “agricultural integration”.

Attending the talks in Khartoum, Sudanese First Vice-President Ali Uthman Muhammad Taha was quoted as saying by AFP: “The bond between the two countries is so firm that it can withstand any tests.” Taha added that good relations between Egypt and Sudan could promote economic growth and food security in the two countries “through an integrated agricultural and commercial strategy”.

Egyptian Prime Minister Atif Ubayd was quoted by AFP as saying it was in the interests of both countries to increase the production of crops to “ensure availability of food to both of them. The Sudan possesses tremendous resources, and Egypt is capable of taking in the excess of the Sudanese needs,” he said. Relations between the two countries have gradually improved since 1995 when Egypt accused Sudan of sheltering Muslim militants who tried to assassinate Egyptian President Husni Mubarak in Ethiopia, Reuters said.