Zimbabwe Southern Sudan to Strengthen Ties

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ZIMBABWE will soon open a consulate in Southern Sudan to strengthen
bilateral relations between the two countries, Vice President Joice
Mujuru said on Wednesday.

VP Mujuru said this at a dinner she hosted for Sudan First Vice
President Salva Kiir Mayardit who is also Southern Sudan President.

"I wish to inform you that Zimbabwe will soon open a consulate in Juba
(Southern Sudan capital), with a view to broadening and deepening our
bilateral cooperation," she said.

VP Mujuru said relations between Zimbabwe and Southern Sudan date back
to the early 1980s when the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement was
launched to rid Africa’s largest country of all forms of injustices.

"The history of co-operation between the Government of the Republic of
Zimbabwe and the SPLM is well documented.

"We would want to underline that when the SPLM, under the late
charismatic John Garang took up arms to fight, what they were fighting
were the relics of injustice.

"Because the fight in Sudan was aimed at eradicating all forms of
oppression we found common ground with them as we had also fought to
unshackle ourselves from the yokes of colonialism," said VP Mujuru.

She called on the international community to support the Comprehensive
Peace Agreement signed between SPLM and the Government of Sudan to end
the civil war in that country in 2005.

"I wish to call upon the international community to resolutely support
all efforts leading to the full implementation of the Comprehensive
Peace Agreement.

"As you may be aware, Zimbabwe is in the process of implementing its own
Global Political Agreement and we understand the value of international
support in such initiatives.

"We want to underline, however, that there is a clear distinction
between support and interference. We believe support should be based on
the concept of sovereign equality of nations," said VP Mujuru.

She also urged Zimbabwean businessman to take advantage of investment
opportunities in Southern Sudan.

"To all business people and prospective investors in our midst, here is
a generously endowed country waiting for a Midas touch to assume its
rightful place among the economic giants of Africa.

"I am informed that Southern Sudan is home to some of Africa’s perennial
rivers. As a farming nation ourselves, we can only conclude that given
its size, rainfall patterns and soil fertility, Southern Sudan is
naturally an attractive partner for us in agricultural development," she
said.

The Sudanese Vice President thanked Zimbabwe for the assistance it
extended during their struggle.

"I came here to thank you and all brothers and sisters in Sadc for all
the assistance and the important role you played in our struggle.
Although we are late in thanking you we are mindful of our friends and
will never forget you," said VP Mayardit. He said his government needed
support because there was little or no institutions of infrastructure in
Sudan.

"Things were not easy for us when we came from the bush because there
were no institutions in the first place, we did not have any
infrastructure. You are a government that has been there for a long time
and we have a lot to learn from you," said VP Mayardit.

VP Mayardit arrived in the country on Wednesday to consult and update
President Mugabe on the peace agreement between the Sudan People’s
Liberation Army and the government in Khartoum.