Photo taken on Sept. 28, 2017 shows the scene of the 14th conference of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) in Khartoum, Sudan. Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir highlighted Thursday his country's support for the efforts to achieve peace and stability in neighboring South Sudan in his speech at the conference. (Xinhua/Mohamed Khidir)
KHARTOUM, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir highlighted Thursday his country's support for the efforts to achieve peace and stability in neighboring South Sudan.
"Sudan has worked, through a pure African initiative, to achieve peace and stability in South Sudan," al-Bashir said in his speech at the 14th conference of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) in Khartoum.
He also reiterated Sudan's readiness to provide necessary assistance for the people affected by the conflict in the new-born state.
"We have committed to the humanitarian assistance for the people of South Sudan and opened passages for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the South Sudanese citizens. We have also opened crossings for the refugees and secured their entry into Sudanese territories," al-Bashir said.
Sudan has continued its support for the South Sudanese people despite the absence of support from the international community, the president noted.
Meanwhile, al-Bashir hailed the improvement of the security situation in the Darfur region, South Kordofan and Blue Nile.
"The security situation in Sudan is witnessing improvement at the national level, particularly in Darfur states, where the peace efforts have led to the gradual exit agreed on with the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID)," al-Bashir said.
"South Kordofan and Blue Nile areas are also witnessing a steadfast and even enduring cease-fire," he added.
The 14th CISSA conference kicked off in Khartoum on Wednesday to discuss political stability in Africa, with the participation of 40 chiefs of intelligence, former presidents, consultants and experts from African countries.
The conference is expected to conclude on Thursday by issuing a declaration on forming a strategic partnership for combating terrorism and achieving political stability in Africa.
Established in 2005, the CISSA aims to effectively address the security challenges confronting the continent. It comprises 51 African intelligence bodies.
