SUDAN EXPLORING COOPERATION IN YOUTH AFFAIRS WITH BOGOR

Bogor, Indonesia, April 24 (ANTARA) - The Sudanese government is exploring the possibility of establishing cooperation with Bogor city in youth and sports affairs as well as in efforts to reduce unemployment and poverty.

Visiting Sudanese Minister for Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs Mochammed Yusuf Abdalla said here on Friday the effort was a follow up to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Indonesia earlier this week.

Speaking at a meeting with Bogor Mayor Diani Budiarto at Bogor's City Hall, Mochammed Yusuf Abdalla said his visit to Bogor was part of the implementation of the MoU which he signed with Indonesian Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Adhyaksa Dault three days ago.

"The cooperation will not be restricted to youth and sports affairs but also cover efforts to deal with unemployment and poverty," he said.

On the occasion, Mochammed Yusuf Abdalla was accompanied by his adviser, Halid bin Ali, Sudanese Ambassador to Indonesia Ibrahim Bushra Muhamed Ali, National Federation for Youth Affairs chairman Khider Ahmed Musa and other Sudanese officials.

The Sudanese minister was also scheduled to visit the Bogor Presidential Palace, Botanical Garden, and small-scale industrial centers in the city.

Meanwhile, Bogor Mayor Diani Budiarto said the visit by the Sudanese minister was expected to give additional value to both parties.

"Bogor also continues to compare itself with cities in other countries to develop itself in youth and sports affairs," Budiarto said.

He added that one problem being faced by youths in Bogor was the negative impact of drugs on their moral attitude.

"On the one hand, we want to improve youths' capability and capacity but, on the other, we have to deal with the impact of drug abuse and other negative things that may affect their lives," Diani Budiarto said, adding that he would like to visit Sudan, especially the city of Nyala, some time in the future.***