SECRETARY CLINTON: I am pleased to welcome to the State Department today the foreign minister of Sudan. Minister Karti is here consulting with our government on a number of the issues that Sudan is dealing with in the very important period of what is occurring with the South and their vote and the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

We very much appreciate the Government of Sudan’s cooperation and assistance in ensuring a peaceful referendum, and we look forward to continuing to work with the minister and the government as we move forward.

FOREIGN MINISTER KARTI: Well, I thank you. I’ve been here for the first visit – first official visit to State and I very much commend the way and thank the way I was received and welcomed. And all doors were open for me to discuss the issues of bilateral relations and issues both of standing issues, also brand new issues in Sudan. We have been able to go on with the process with the South and for sure with the assistance and help of U.S.

We came here also to thank U.S. Administration for all they had done for the people of Sudan and for making it possible for us, two partners, to sit down together, go on until concludes that agreement and throughout the implementation till it is peacefully a point, a very important point of time. And we are here also to look toward the future and are also ready to cooperate and work together with (inaudible) the Secretary and everybody who is here.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you so much, Minister.

FOREIGN MINISTER KARTI: Thank you.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you all very much.