President Mwai Kibaki Wednesday affirmed Kenya's commitment to the cause of peace and post conflict rehabilitation of the Southern Sudan.

President Kibaki noted that through the various technical cooperation agreements signed between the two countries, the Kenya government would support capacity building to hasten development of Southern Sudan and attainment of political stability in the country.

The Head of State made the assurance to the South Sudan President who is also the Sudan first Vice-President Lt. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit who paid a courtesy call at the Harambee House Office.

During the meeting which was also attended by Prime Minister Raila Odinga, President Kiir appraised President Kibaki on the progress in the implementation of the comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which was signed in January 2005.

President Kiir appreciated the role Kenya has continued to play during the entire peace process in Southern Sudan through immense support of various forms.

President Kibaki reassured the Southern Sudan delegation that Kenya , IGAD and AU would remain actively engaged in the successful implementation of the CPA due to the far reaching implications to the region's security.

He further urged parties to the peace agreement to remain committed to observing the principles of the CPA and to prepare adequately for the forthcoming elections scheduled for April 2010.

President Kibaki further congratulated the people of Sudan for holding celebrations to mark the 5th Anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

The President said that the government was gearing towards rehabilitating infrastructure especially major link roads through the Nadapal border point, construction of a modern sea port in Lamu and a rail linking Southern Sudan to Ethiopia.

He reiterated that Kenya was committed to enhanced security along the two countries common border through regular cross border meetings and other forms of security cooperation.



PPS