JUBA
South Sudanese Defense Minister Kuol Manyang Juuk left Tuesday to Khartoum on a two-day visit, his first visit to Sudan since assuming office in November.
Juuk told Anadolu Agency that he is due to deliver a message from South Sudanese President Salva Kiir to his Sudanese counterpart Omar al-Bashir.
The minister said he would also meet with his Sudanese counterpart Abdel-Rehim Mohamed Hussein for talks on security issues and means of maintaining security along the borders.
"The border demarcation between the two countries would be also discussed," Juuk added.
Sudan and South Sudan have been at odds over border demarcation with both sides claiming oil-rich regions along the borderline.
South Sudan declared its independence from Sudan in 2011 after a 2005 peace treaty had ended decades of civil war.
Juuk said that his talks with Sudanese official would also address Juba's concerns that rebels might be getting support from Khartoum.
"Rebels loyal to [sacked vice president] Riek Machar expect support from some neighboring countries. We want to tell the Sudanese authorities not to help them," he said.
The defense minister ruled out possible Sudanese support for the rebels, asserting that stability serves the interests of both countries.
South Sudan has been shaken by violence since mid-December, when Kiir accused Machar of attempting to overthrow his regime.
The conflict has already claimed more than 10,000 lives, while the UN estimates that some 3.7 million people in South Sudan are now "severely food insecure" and more than 820,000 have been displaced.
By Atem Simon
englishnews@aa.com.tr
