Press Statement

Delegations from the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) led by H.E. Ato Bereket Simon, Executive Committee Member of the EPRDF and Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) headed by H.E. Mr Pa’gan Amum, SPLM Secretary-General met in Addis Ababa on 06 December 2007.

The parties reviewed the long standing relations between them and explored areas of cooperation between Sudan and Ethiopia, particularly between Ethiopia and Southern Sudan.   The parties agreed to further strengthen these relations for the benefit of the two parties and the peoples of Ethiopia and Sudan.

Further, the parties agreed to develop cooperation in the field of trade, commerce, investment and post-conflict reconstruction in Southern Sudan and other war affected areas.

The parties agreed to work together to promote peace, security and stability in the common borders of Sudan and Ethiopia and in the region; and further noted with grave concern the continuing conflict in Darfur. The SPLM expressed concern over the current status of relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea and offered to play a role in realizing a negotiated and peaceful settlement of the problem between the two countries.  

The EPRDF appreciated the sentiment expressed by SPLM and indicated its readiness to accept any role the SPLM can play in bringing about a peaceful and negotiated resolution to the problem.

The EPRDF reaffirmed its stand and support for full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).    It also stressed that the benefits of the people of Southern Sudan and the rest of Sudanese people will be ensured through a democratic unity in which the political and economic rights of all are respected on equal basis. The EPRDF undertook to work hand in hand with the parties to the CPA in a brotherly manner.

The SPLM appreciated the role Ethiopia has played as member of IGAD in ending the longest civil war in Africa¯ the 22-year civil war in Southern Sudan, Nuba Mountains, Southern Blue Nile and Abyei that claimed over 2 million lives.  

After the discussion, the two parties published a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which leads towards developing a strategic framework for future collaboration and bilateral cooperation on party building and mass mobilization.

The parties agreed to continue their bilateral discussions in Juba.

Addis Ababa, December 7, 2007