Sudan's Bashir meets Somali president

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed held talks in Khartoum Tuesday evening, tackling issues of common interest and bilateral relations. Al-Bashir renewed his country's keenness on supporting Somalia and to stand by its people, according to the country’s official radio. The Somali President arrived at Khartoum on Tuesday afternoon in an official two-day visit to Sudan. He was received at Khartoum airport by President Bashir and a number of state officials. A source in Khartoum said the visit of the Somali President was part of a plan to develop relations between the two countries. Sharif’s visit and talks with the Sudanese leadership also focused on the recent security situation in Somalia and on Sudan’s initiative to encourage comprehensive reconciliation between Somali political factions, as well as efforts to support the Somali government.