Egyptian envoy hails ties with Sudan

Egypt's Ambassador here Osama Shaltout said good relations with Sudan have helped contain a crisis that emerged recently about allegations that Sudanese in Egypt are being targeted.

The crisis was contained through diplomatic channels between the two countries, the diplomat told a number of Egyptian newspapers and the Middle East News Agency, who are in Sudan to cover the tenth round of negotiations on the Ethiopian dam starting Friday.

Nearly four million Sudanese are living in Egypt without any discrimination against them, Shaltout said, adding that several quarters tried to drive a wedge between the two countries through spreading allegations.

The two countries are in continuous consultations over different regional and international issues, especially regarding Libya's neighboring countries, he said.

As for economic relations, he pointed out to the remarkable success of opening the border crossing of Qastal-Ashkit, which promoted the movement of trade and travel between Egypt and Sudan.

The volume of trade exchange between the two countries through the terminal exceeded 10 million dollars monthly, he said.

Preparations are underway for opening the Arjeen border crossing, expected in the first quarter of next year, he said.

The road will extend from Egypt's Alexandria to South Africa's Cape Town, he added.

Sources: MENA