Sudan and South Sudan have signed a comprehensive bilateral agreement aimed at protecting vital oil infrastructure, enhancing border security, and strengthening economic cooperation.

The agreement follows three days of intensive talks between senior officials from both nations during a high-level visit by South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Semaya Kumba, to Port Sudan.

In a joint statement released on Monday, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the main pumping stations and oil facilities that transport South Sudanese crude to the Red Sea. The accord also outlines measures to boost production capacity, develop technical expertise, and secure energy infrastructure across the region.

Officials highlighted the critical importance of the pipeline running through Sudan, describing it as a vital economic lifeline. South Sudan relies heavily on oil exports for revenue, while Sudan benefits from transit fees collected from the flow of crude to international markets.

The agreement further includes provisions for counterterrorism collaboration, intelligence sharing, and coordinated border security operations to combat armed groups and smuggling networks along the shared frontier.

During her visit, Minister Kumba met with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council, and other senior officials. Discussions also focused on reviving bilateral trade and investment ties, disrupted by Sudan’s ongoing conflict earlier this year, which affected several oil facilities.

As part of the new cooperation framework, the two countries agreed to establish a Joint Economic Committee to promote collaboration in trade, investment, energy, agriculture, transportation, and infrastructure. Plans for a free trade zone in Port Sudan were also proposed to facilitate cross-border commerce and the movement of goods.

The talks underscored the need to preserve regional peace and stability, particularly in border areas affected by recent clashes. Analysts view the agreement as a pragmatic step toward restoring trust and safeguarding the shared economic interests of both nations.

Through this renewed cooperation, Sudan and South Sudan aim to prevent further damage to critical energy infrastructure while fostering a foundation for long-term economic and security collaboration. (ILKHA)