Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry reiterated his country's commitment to work hand in hand with Sudan for boosting distinguished relations binding the two countries.

Speaking at the meetings of the joint political consultations committee, Shoukry said the meetings are a good chance for consultations between the two countries over spheres of common interest and boosting relations.

Egypt and Sudan are on constant coordination and all their consultations are based on transparency, frankness and joint interests, he said.

He underlined the importance of maintaining meetings and consultations to exchange viewpoints towards regional and international issues, especially the threat of terrorism and extremism, and to enhance bilateral relations.

Current regional and international challenges need rallying efforts of Egypt and Sudan, especially as both of them are not poor in terms of resources, especially human ones, he added.

Ahead of the meeting, Shoukry held talks with his Sudanese counterpart to address some urgent issues.

Shoukry told his counterpart that Sudanese gold miners should go to Arqeen crossing to receive their drilling equipment that was confiscated by Egyptian authorities.

He stressed that this issue should be closed for ever to preserve strategic relations between the two countries.

Talks also tackled Egyptian imports that negatively affect Egyptian-Sudanese relations, Shoukry said, underlining the importance of reaching radical solutions to this issue that is not based on clear technical criteria.

In March, Sudanese authorities added new commodities to the list of banned Egyptian imports that already includes vegetables, fruits and fish.

Source: MENA