Minister of International Development Erik Solheim is travelling to Sudan from 19 to 23 June for meetings with representatives of the national Government and the regional government in South Sudan.

The talks will cover the follow-up of the peace agreement between North and South, rebuilding the country after the war, and administrative assistance for the management of Sudan’s petroleum resources.

In the discussions, Mr Solheim will emphasise that Norway will do what it can to ensure that the Darfur peace agreement is signed by all parties. He will also raise the need for a UN force to be sent to Darfur.

Mr Solheim also intends to use the opportunity to focus on the forgotten parts of Sudan. A field trip to El Damazin and Kurmuk, which lie along the Blue Nile river and along the border with Ethiopia, has therefore been organised. This is one of the areas hardest hit by the long civil war in Sudan. It is hoped that the visit will direct new political focus on development in this “forgotten” part of Sudan.

Note to editors:
Development Minister Solheim will be available for interviews during the trip. The press contact is Information Adviser Odd Naustdal (mobile tel. 91 14 94 90). If he cannot be reached on his mobile, a satellite number can be obtained from the International Development Minister’s Secretariat on 22 24 39 22.