Russian ambassasor in Southern Sudan to strengthen ties

March 12, 2008 (Juba NSV) - The Russian ambassador to Sudan Mr. Envarbik M. Fazeliyanov is in Juba to strengthen ties between Southern Sudan and Russia.

“My purpose is to promote relations between Russia and Sudan," he said. The diplomat also told journalists that he had come to learn more about Sudan, its people and explore opportunities for co-operation between Russia and Southern Sudan.

The ambassador who is on his second visit to Sudan arrived in Juba this morning and was received by senior Government of Southern Sudan officials.

Russia and China are close but controversial friends to the Khartoum regime. Yesterday Russia became the only country to advocate for imposing sanctions at the United Nations on the Darfur rebels. However, US and Britain were advocating for sanctions to be placed on both the rebels and the government.