ASMARA  (Sunatimes)-In continuation of his meetings with a number of Egyptian government officials, President Isayas Afewerki today held talks with the Minister of National Security Umar Sulayman [intelligence chief], focusing on bilateral and regional issues.

In the meeting, the two sides reached understanding that Eritrea and Egypt should work in coordination with the main partners, namely the [ruling] Sudanese National Congress Party and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) in the 2011 southern Sudan referendum so that it may lead to peace and stability in Sudan and the region.

During the discussion as regards the Somali issue, both sides agreed that the Eritrean and Egyptian governments would work together for the realization of a comprehensive political process in which all Somali nationals participate, and in a situation where external interference is brought to an end.

President Isayas assured Mr Umar Sulayman of Eritrea's conviction that Egypt needs to play vigorous constructive role in issues pertaining to the Horn of Africa.

Earlier, the president held talks with the Egyptian Prime Minister Dr Ahmad Nazif on reinforcing bilateral cooperation in agriculture, trade, industry and energy, boosting import and export, as well as free transaction of the two countries' products. To this end, President Isayas and Dr Ahmad Nazif reached understanding that the issue of infrastructure and financing of transport facilities should be duly addressed and that a joint body should be set up.

Source: Shabait