Asmara — The spokesman of the South Sudan Parliament, Lt. General James Wani, said that the efforts Eritrea is exerting to promote peace in East Africa is commendable.

He made the remarks at a cultural performance staged by the Eritrean cultural troupe, Walta, currently on a tour in the South Sudan, aimed at reinforcing cultural exchange. More than 2,000 people took part in the cultural show that was staged at the cemetery of the late John Garang, former leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM).

Indicating that Eritrea has strived and is striving to bring about a comprehensive political solution in the Sudan, Lt. General James stated that the Naivasha Agreement between the National Congress Party and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement, as well as the peace agreement between the Sudanese Government of National Unity and the East Sudan Front, attest to Eritrea's relentless efforts. He further lauded the positive and constructive role Eritrea is playing to promote a peaceful political solution to the Darfur issue, and expressed conviction that this would succeed as did previous ones.

The spokesman added that the tour of the Eritrean cultural troupe to South Sudan is significant in strengthening the relations between the people of both countries and promoting cultural exchange.

On arrival at Juba Airport on September 11, the 15-member Walta Cultural Troupe was welcomed by the Eritrean Consul General, Ambassador Alem Negash, the Deputy Minister of South Sudan Regional Cooperation, Dr. Sirino Hitni and others.

Ambassador Alem Negash stressed the significance of the tour and said that the cultural troupe would stage cultural shows to the public and to army members in different areas of South Sudan for 15 days and that it would participate in the International Youth Day celebrations in Juba town.