Asmara, 11 February 2010 – A 20- member Sudanese delegation headed by the Administrator of the Sudanese Red Sea region, Dr. Mohammed Tahir Ela, arrived in Eritrea today to participate in the 20th anniversary of Operation Fenkil .

The Administrator of the Northern Red Sea region, Ms. Tsgereda Woldegergis, and other Eritrean government officials welcomed the delegation on arrival at Asmara International Airport.  

Stating that the visit of the Sudanese delegation is a continuation of the growing historical relations between Eritrea and Sudan, Ms. Tsgereda said that in accordance with the co-operation agreement concluded between the Eritrean Northern Red Sea region and the Sudanese Red Sea region, direct Port Sudan-Asmara flight has already commenced.

Dr. Mohamed Tahir Ela on his part said that the visit of the Sudanese delegation is aimed at taking part in the Operation Fenkil commemoration celebration, in addition to implementing the directives given by Presidents Isaias Afwerki and Omar Hassen Al-Beshir regarding trade, economic, social and cultural relations. In this respect, he made reference to the commencement of direct Port Sudan-Asmara flight as an initial phase.

Likewise, the Minister of Tourism of the Sudanese Red Sea region, Mr. Abdala Kuna, said that the direct flight has reduced the previous 3-day journey from Port Sudan to Asmara to 1 hour only.