Sudanese President Omar El Bashir has ordered the opening of the border with South Sudan.

The deputy head of mission in the Sudanese embassy in Juba says the order, issued last evening, is a step to improve relations between the two countries.

“This complete step from the president of the republic is a more step for the encouragement of good relation between the two countries, and to develop and strengthen peace, economic ties, and trade,” said Ambassador Majdi Ahmed Al-Mofadil in an exclusive interview with Eye Radio.

“No Sudan without South Sudan and no South Sudan without Sudan,” he said.

Omar al-Bashir’s order followed a similar move this week by South Sudanese President Salva Kiir.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Juba has welcomed al-Bashir’s response.

“We are glad that the president of Sudan has responded the border between the two countries is very crucial to open for the two nations to benefit,” said the Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesman, Mawien Makol.

This is the first time the two countries have formally opened the border since they clashed in Heglig in 2012.