Intelligence agencies of Ethiopia and Sudan on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to bolster security cooperation in a bid to counter-pressing peace and security challenges in the region.

Ethiopian delegation led by the Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), Temesgen Tiruneh, held discussion with the Director General of the Sudan General Intelligence Service, Lieutenant General Ahmed Ibrahim Mufadel, and other senior officials of the agency in Khartoum on intelligence and security issues.

In their discussion, the officials of the two institutions also advised on the contribution of strengthening their relationship and cooperation to ensure the peace and security of both countries and the people.

After the conclusion of the discussion, the two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate and exchange information on common issues.

The purpose of the agreement is for the institutions to exchange experience and information on common issues, to jointly combat the common threat in the region – terrorism, prevent cross-border crimes, ensure the security of the citizens of the two countries to live and move in peace.

In addition, the discussion further aimed to cooperate in the joint countermeasure of elements that disrupt the peace of the people of the two countries.

According to NISS, the Ethiopian delegation discussed with President of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and the vice chairperson of the Council, Mohamed Amdan Dagalo, on the peace and security of the two countries.

During Lt.-Gen. Ahmed Ibrahim Mufadel’s visit to NISS, in Addis Ababa, on October 14, 2022, the intelligence institutions of the two countries have reached an agreement in principle to scale up cooperation and operations in ensuring peace and stability in the East African region.