KHARTOUM, 24 March 2005 — Saudi Arabia and Sudan are set to sign two agreements here today on fighting terrorism and smuggling, and extradition of criminals.
Interior Minister Prince Naif held talks here yesterday with his Sudanese counterpart Abdul Rahim Hussein in preparation for the signing of the accords.
Prince Naif arrived here on Tuesday, a day after the chief of the Sudanese intelligence spoke about the presence of Saudi extremists who had intruded into Sudanese territories. Prince Naif began his Khartoum talks with a meeting with Ali Othman Muhammad Taha, first vice president.
Speaking to reporters, Prince Naif said his talks with Hussein focused on security issues. He said the two accords which will be inked today, would set the framework for security cooperation between the two Arab countries.
He emphasized the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Sudan and commended the high morals, sincerity and trustworthiness of Sudanese expatriate workers in the Kingdom.
Prince Naif lambasted extremists saying they have nothing to do with Islam. “They are using Islam as a means and we would like to tell the world that Islam is a religion of peace and it respects human beings and life and whatever that is good for people,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted him as saying.
Prince Naif said Saudi Arabia was not mediating to settle the Darfur crisis. He also said that Saudi security forces were looking for wanted criminals who are not listed on the 26 most wanted terrorists.
The interior minister also disclosed that the trial of suspects involved in terrorist operations as well as individuals who issued edicts encouraging terrorist actions would take place at the right time.
On his part, Hussein said his country wanted to strengthen its relations with Saudi Arabia not only in security but also in political and economic fields and welcomed Saudi investments in Sudan. He hoped that Prince Naif’s visit would boost Saudi-Sudanese ties and open the door for investments.
As per the security accord to be signed today, the two countries would abstain from giving refuge to criminals or supporting them with money and weapons or training them on carrying out terrorist and subversive activities or providing them with any facilities, and would prevent antagonistic activities against either government.
The agreement also stipulates cooperation in combating crimes and the two countries must take measures to implement all bilateral accords on tracing crimes and their perpetrators and extraditing them. They will also exchange information related to crimes and help in arresting suspected criminals wanted in either state.
