Sudan and South Sudan agreed on Friday to reopen border crossings along their common border to boost trade and allow movement of communities on both sides.

Sudan had closed much of its border after South Sudan’s independence in 2011.

But South Sudan President Salva Kiir said he agreed with visiting Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok to reopen border crossings as soon as possible.

“We will work together on the reopening of border crossings soon. Hopefully, Sudan and South Sudan will enjoy peace and stability,” Kiir said in a statement at the end of his meetings with Prime Minister Hamdok.

For his part, Prime Minister Hamdok said both sides are determined to boost border trade activities soon.” My visit to South Sudan was a good opportunity for us to hold talks on bilateral relations. We agreed to deepen cooperation between the two countries,” he said.

Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok returned to Khartoum this afternoon wraping up a two-day state visit to South Sudan. He was seen off at Juba airport by senior government officials.