The government of Sudan says efforts are being made to strengthen its diplomatic relations with Nigeria.

Ahmed Jaboul, Charge d’ Affaires of Sudan Embassy in Nigeria, who spoke with journalists Thursday in Abuja, said already existing bilateral cooperation between both countries would be consolidated.

He said that the existing relations between Sudan and Nigeria were established on mutual ground; saying more would be done to deepen ties between both countries in education and economic sectors.

“There is a history of diplomatic relations between Sudan and Nigeria; we have many things to do together; we have many successful stories together, for a very long time.

“Only that we speak about the presidents of Sudan and Nigeria; this is only a story; wherever you go to in Sudan, you will find out that the Sudanese citizens originated from Nigeria.

“You will find them at many levels from the presidency to many other levels wherever you go.

“The city I came from, not less than 40 per cent of the indigenes originated from Nigeria and this is the fact; we are determined to reignite diplomatic relations and boost bilateral relations between Sudan and Nigeria.

“The Government of Sudan puts great emphasis on building such relations and we are here to consolidate on our already existing bilateral relations and to further promote it.”

He said plans were underway by the Government of Sudan to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in the educational sector, as well as other sectors of the economy.

He disclosed that Sudan educational institutions affiliated with Nigerian Universities in Sokoto, Kano, Abuja and Kaduna as a means of deepening educational ties among students from both countries.

“We would like to acquaint ourselves with the Nigerian people and the Nigerian community here; the relations between the two countries, history, present, future and cooperation between our two countries is a priority.

“Nigeria played a very important role in the mediation process in Sudan; which is why in early 1992, the then government of Sudan recorded a successful story done by Nigeria.

“I know lots of Nigerians across West Africa; we believe Nigeria can still play a vital role in the settlement of the situation in Sudan and not only in Sudan, but also the whole of Africa.

“We know how important the role played by Nigeria contributed to peace and stability in Africa, Nigeria convened the mediation process in 2005 between the government of Sudan and Sudan Liberation Movement.

“The Sudanese Government is very grateful to the Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian people.

“So, we will like to further continue this relationship,” he added.

He attributed success so far recorded in the education sector between both countries to coordination by tripartite agreement between Sudan Embassy, Nigerian students in Sudan and Sudanese universities.

(NAN)