Sudan and China announced in Khartoum Tuesday their adherence to international peace and security principles and states' right to sovereignty over their territories. The two sides made the pledge in a joint statement issued by the Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail and his visiting Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing, who has just ended his three-day official visit to Sudan. 

In the statement, the two sides pronounced their refusal of any attempts to interfere in their internal affairs under any pretexts.

The two sides have held official talks and discussed bilateral, regional and international issues in light of continued coordination and consultations between the two countries, the statement said.

According to the statement, the two sides agreed that terrorism is no longer a question related to one state alone, it has become an international question.

They stressed the need of regional and international cooperation in fighting against terrorism, but meanwhile underscored the need for "differentiation between terrorism and people's right to defend their usurped rights."

The statement noted that Sudan placed strong emphasis on its stance on "one China" policy and its refusal of all Taiwan's attempts to gain independence and international recognition.

Khartoum also hailed Beijing's help in economic development, with increased investment, grants and loans and a decision to write off a portion of its debt.

China now is Sudan's top trading partner, the statement said, adding political, economic, investment, cultural and commercial relations between the two developing countries are witnessing great progress.

The Chinese side was also informed of the latest developments in Sudan's peace talks currently held in Kenya's Nivasha between the government of Sudan and Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA).

The Chinese side expressed satisfaction at the Sudanese negotiations and stressed China's adherence to the territorial integrity and stability of Sudan, the statement added.

The two sides, meanwhile, announced their obligation to work together within the framework of G-77 to achieve sustainable development through increasing investments, transferring technology, developing human resources, bridging the digital gap between developed and developing countries.

Before wrapping up his first official visit to Sudan, the Chinese foreign minister met with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways and means to push them forward.

Earlier, Li met with Sudan's Minister of Energy and Mining Awadh Ahmed Al-Gas. The two sides discussed the Chinese-funded energy and oil projects in Sudan.

(Xinhua News Agency January 7, 2004)