The Sudanese government on Sunday welcomed China's decision to
appoint a special representative for African affairs, stressing
that it would be helpful for solving the Darfur crisis in
Sudan.
Ali al-Sadig, the spokesman of the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, told reporters that the appointment of the Chinese envoy
for Africa was a positive addition to efforts of the two countries
to settle Darfur issue.
He added that the envoy was for the entire Africa and the Darfur
issue would be one of the issues of his mission. China announced on
May 10 the appointment of a special representative for African
affairs, a measure that analysts say shows China is trying to exert
more influence in the region.
Liu Guijin, a 61-year-old veteran diplomat, was appointed to the
post. China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said that Liu
would initially focus on Darfur as the region continues to attract
international concern.
Appreciating the distinguished relations between Khartoum and
Beijing, Al-Sadik urged for continuing coordination between the two
countries through the joint ministerial committee and the joint
political consultation committee.
He said that the two sides maintained consultations on the
political and economic issues especially the Darfur issue.
(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2007)
