President holds talks with South Sudan delegation

President Isaias Afwerki today received and held talks  at State House with a South Sudan delegation headed by Mr. Nial Deng Nial, Chief Negotiator of the Republic of South Sudan.

Asmara 25 April 2015-   President Isaias Afwerki today received and held talks  at State House with a South Sudan delegation headed by Mr. Nial Deng Nial, Chief Negotiator of the Republic of South Sudan.

During the meeting, the two sides conducted discussion focusing on bilateral relations and the peace process in the Republic of South Sudan.

Mr. Nial Deng Nial told Erina that the discussion with President Isaias was very significant, and explained that the peace process that was in progress under the auspices of IGAD did not so far produce concrete outcome. The South Sudan official further indicated that he had given detailed briefing to President Isaias on the peace process and the problems encountered. He also disclosed that the delegation has received vital advice from the President.

Mr. Nial Deng Nial elaborated that President Isaias has underlined that in order for the peace process to succeed, the two parties need to discuss the South Sudan problem in earnest free from external interference. In this connection, Mr. Nial Deng Nial stated that the President cautioned against internationalizing the South Sudan issue which would but further complicate it.

As regards Eritrea-South Sudan relations, he said that President Isaias has asserted that Eritrea is keen to further enhance bilateral relations. Moreover, Eritrea is ready to cooperate in efforts to foster relations of cooperation between South Sudan and the Republic of Sudan.