Sudanese President Omar Bashir has assured President Salva Kiir of his government’s readiness to help bring lasting peace to South Sudan.

President Bashir made the remark during his meeting with President Salva Kiir in Khartoum today.

The state-run Sudan TV quoted Mr Bashir as saying Sudan supports the IGAD mediation process in order to achieve lasting peace in South Sudan.

President Bashir said he is satisfied with the work of the IGAD mediation team, and hopes that there will be lasting peace in South Sudan.

The two presidents expressed their commitment to implement the Cooperation Agreement, which the two countries signed in 2012.

President Kiir left Juba for Khartoum this morning, accompanied by ministers from the national government, and good numbers of business men from South Sudan.