FM Discusses Arrangements for Visit of Dutch Foreign Minister

Khartoum, May 10 (SUNA) – The Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, Ambassador Ilham Ibrahim, received in her office Monday the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Sudan, Irma van Dueren, and appreciated progress of the relations between the two countries after the change that took place in Sudan. Ambassador Ilham expressed Sudan aspiration to establish genuine relations, cooperation and partnerships with the Netherlands and all the European Union Countries, especially after the end of Sudan isolation and its openness to the international community by the removing its name from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism, a matter that qualifies it to benefit from the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries initiative (HIPC). The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that Sudan looks forward for the support of the Netherlands and its active participation in the Paris Conference, scheduled on May 17, to boost the transition in Sudan. The Dutch Ambassador has referred to ongoing arrangements for a visit of the Dutch Foreign Minister to Sudan as well as the coordination between the Sudanese and Dutch Foreign Ministries for convening meetings of the joint political consultation committee. The Assistant Undersecretary referred to the continued support of the Netherlands to Sudan, especially in the field of women empowerment and the expected support of the Netherlands to Sudan efforts and national plans in this field, as well as the ways to strengthen the cooperation in various fields, including the field of agriculture and training, and exchange of support at international forums. MO