September 15 2009 (ASMARA) – Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki declared yesterday his support to southern Sudan rights and aspirations.

Sudanese First Vice President and President of Southern Sudan government paid a two day visit to Asmara where he had been arrived yesterday for talks with President Afwerki. The two leaders agreed to enhance bilateral relations between Eritrea and southern Sudan. Kiir returned today to Juba.

Following their meeting on Monday the Eritrean President “asserted the Eritrean government’s firm and enduring pledge towards ensuring the rights and aspirations of the people of South Sudan,” the official Shabait website reported.

Kiir’s visit to Asmara, in response to an invitation extended by the President Afwerki came months after unprecedented attack on the SPLM by the Eritrean leader who had accused the southern Sudan ruling part of corruption.

In his last May statements Afwerki also demanded the SPLM to declare a clear view on the future of Sudan.

According to the Eritrean information ministry website, President Isaias “pointed out that at the present delicate juncture in which the Sudan finds itself, the SPLM under the leadership of Mr. Salva Kiir Mayardit is expected to play a leading role.”

During the past years, Asmara which had bad relations with Khartoum supported the SPLM and the rest of the Sudanese opposition groups who had their headquarters in the Eritrean capital.

“Eritrea is one of the close friends of the people of South Sudan” said Salva Kiir who reaffirmed the SPLM’s willingness to boost relations with Eritrea, particularly in exchanging views on developments in the Sudan and enhancing mutual cooperation.

Kiir also discussed with Afwerki political developments in southern Sudan and expressed SPLM’s stance on Sudanese issues including Darfur conflict.

Further SPLM delegation headed by deputy chairman, Malik Agar held a meeting with an Eritrean delegation led Yemane Gebreab, head of Political Affairs at the Eritrean ruling part PFDJ where they agreed to strengthen relations between the PFDJ and the SPLM, as well as the ties between the two governments.

The two parties also discussed the CPA implementation and the ongoing discussion between the two peace partners over the border demarcation, elections and referendum bill.

President Afwerki also accepted an invitation extended by GOSS President Salva Kiir to visit southern Sudan. (SudanTribune)

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