KHARTOUM (Reuters) - Sudanese Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdouk said on Thursday his country aspired to forge deep strategic ties with neighboring southern Sudan.
"We aspire to a well-developed strategic relationship between our peoples with no limits," Hamdouk told reporters upon his arrival in Juba on a two-day visit.
The Sudanese Prime Minister hinted that the visit will discuss trade issues between the two countries, along with the oil files and freedom of movement of people and goods.
James Wani Iga, South Sudan's Vice President, told reporters at Juba airport that Hamdok "is the best person to lead the people of Sudan at this stage. He has enough experience to manage the situation during the new phase."
Hamdouk met with the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, and discussed with him issues related to the common interests between the two countries, and how to implement joint cooperation agreements signed by the former Sudanese government led by ousted President Omar al-Bashir, as well as the Sudanese peace file sponsored by the Government of South Sudan.
Hamdouk will meet with Sudanese opposition leaders in Juba and will express his blessing with the steps of the confidence-building measures document between the Sovereign Council and those movements.
Hamdok, a former UN diplomat, took office three weeks ago under an agreement between Sudan's army and civilian forces after months of demonstrations against military commanders who seized power after the ouster of former President Omar al-Bashir.
South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011 after decades of civil war.