Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

President Victor Yushchenko marks fruitful development of Ukrainian-Sudanese cooperation on occasion of the Independence Day of Sudan, reads a statement made by the presidential press service referring to Yuschenko's congratulation of January 1 addressed to Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashier.

"I want to make with pleasure a special mention of fruitful development of Ukrainian-Sudanese cooperation, traditionally based upon mutual respect and trust," reads Yuschenko's address to the president of Sudan.

The head of state is convinced, friendly relations between Ukraine and Sudan will keep on strengthening.

He wished al-Bashier strong health and success in his field, and the Sudanese people peace, welfare and prosperity.

As Ukrainian News earlier reported, Ukraine in February 2009 accepted a statement the Czech Republic, the current holder of the EU-rotating presidency, released welcoming a conciliation agreement the government of Sudan's national integrity and the Movement for Justice and Equality rebel group had signed.

In November 2008, Ukraine joined the statement released by France, then presiding the European Union, in which it urged Sudan officials to stop military operations in Darfur (Sudan), re-started in September 2008.

Sudanese government and the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement in January 2005 signed a Comprehensive Peace Agreement to put an end to the civil war in Darfur sparked as far back as in 1983.

Mass media reported in March 2009 the international criminal court issued a warrant of arrest for al-Bashir, charging him with war crimes and crimes against humanity for the years-long Darfur conflict.

Ukraine sent its peacekeeping contingent to Sudan.