Australian FM Kevin Rudd meets with South Sudan FM Nhial Deng in NYC
September 25, 2011 – 9:09AM
AAP
Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd has initiated diplomatic relations with the world’s newest nation – South Sudan.
Mr Rudd has met with his South Sudanese counterpart, Nhial Deng Nhial while in New York for the United Nations General Assembly to sign a joint communique establishing formal diplomatic ties.
He said the two countries already shared a close bond with a South Sudanese community of 20,000 people living in Australia.
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"As well as providing sanctuary to refugees from South Sudan during the many years of conflict, Australia is assisting the fledgling state to deliver basic services such as education, maternal health and sanitation," he said.
The Gillard government has offered 25 Australian Defence Force soldiers and ten Australian Federal Police personnel to the new United Nations mission in South Sudan. Two Australian Civilian Corps stabilisation advisers will also be posted to South Sudan to help reconstruction efforts.
Mr Rudd is concerned about ongoing violence in the border states of Southern Kordofan, including in the Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile.
"Sudan and South Sudan must redouble their efforts to resolve outstanding matters peacefully by negotiation, not unilateral action," Mr Rudd said.
He said there were opportunities for Australian companies to build a commercial relationship with South Sudan in the areas of mining, agriculture and infrastructure.
© 2011 AAP
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/rudd-meets-with-south-sudan-rep-20110925-1kr8g.html
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