Norway’s special envoy to Sudan holds talks with Ethiopian foreign minister 

Norway’s special envoy to Sudan, Endre Stiansen, has held talks with Ethiopia’s foreign affairs minister, Tedros Adhanom, on a visit to the capital Addis Ababa on Tuesday.

According to the ministry of foreign affairs, the two sides discussed issues of common concern, as well as regional matters, including the current situation in Sudan and South Sudan.
During the discussions, Adhanom noted the encouraging progress made between Sudan and South Sudan in addressing their outstanding issues peacefully, adding that he appreciated their determination to resolve remaining issues.
He underscored a need for the international community to extend concerted support and continued encouragement to both Sudans to peacefully resolve their differences and ensure the two neighbours do not return to war again.
“Looking at the bigger picture of progress is important in that the region cannot afford to slip back into a state of conflict”, the Ethiopian minister said.
During discussions, the special envoy also commended the significant role Ethiopia had played in brokering deals on post-split disputes between the two countries.
Stiansen particularly hailed Ethiopia’s role in the signing of cooperation agreements between the two Sudans on a number of key issues, including demilitarisation of the border zone and resumption of oil exports.
The special envoy condemned Saturday’s attack on a UN convoy by members of the nomadic Arab Misseriya tribe which led to the deaths of two Ethiopian peacekeepers and a Dinka Ngok tribal chief in the disputed Abyei region, extending his condolences to the country and the families of the victims.
The Ethiopian government and the international community have called for both countries to exercise restraint, amid fears the incident could reignite conflict in the flashpoint border zone, claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan.
After gaining its independence in July 2011, South Sudan took with it the bulk of Sudanese oil resources, heightening tensions between the two East African nations.
Last April, disputes over oil and hostilities along their shared borders escalated, bringing both countries to the brink of war.