Sudan and Ethiopia have agreed to construct a joint cross-border oil pipeline that will serve the two African countries. This was revealed by the Sudanese and Ethiopian Energy Ministers, Adel Mohamed Ibrahim and Seleshi Bekele respectively. The two officials met as part of an official visit by several Sudanese authorities, including Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok in the capital Addis Ababa.
The Joint pipeline project
The two leaders also agreed that Juba would establish another branch of the pipeline to extend it into South Sudan for the benefit of the growing population. “The Ethiopian side is very interested and enthusiastic about this project, and we will start implementing it shortly after the completion of the regulatory procedures,” said the Sudanese minister.
Ibrahim further stated that the Ethiopian side also presented a second project, a partnership in the Sudanese Nile Petroleum Co. Ltd., and that Ethiopia will present a written proposal on the partnership.
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The agreement signed between the two countries also covers technical cooperation in oil exploration, development and training of the workforce. Ethiopia is preparing to open up to the oil exploration market and needs the support of its Sudanese neighbor, a major African oil producer.
Regional development
The meeting also discussed “technical cooperation between Sudan and Ethiopia in oil exploration, development and information and training centre.” In the framework of the same visit, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stressed his country’s support to Sudan in all regional and international events.
Ahmed stressed on the importance of cooperation between Sudan and Ethiopia in the field of energy; so that his country would provide energy to Sudan and Sudan would provide food to Ethiopia.
