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SV: People's Assembly building, Cairo, Egypt.
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SV: Sudanese and Egyptian members seated.
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SV: Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Sudanese President Jaafar Nimeiri entering hall to applause. (2 shots)
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SV: Sadat speaking (2 shots)
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SV: delegates applauding.
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SV: Nimeiri speaking and delegates applauding (2 shots)
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Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and President Jaafar Nimeiri of Sudan have both promised to tighten even further the links between their two countries. Addressing the first joint session of the Egyptian and Sudanese parliaments in Cairo on Monday (24 October) they emphasised the need for more political, economical, educational and cultural co-operation.

SYNOPSIS: It was an historic day for the two countries as the 350 Egyptian and 260 Sudanese members met in the People's Assembly.

Applause greeted the two leaders as they entered the chamber, and the scene was set for what President Sadat had described as an historic turning point. The two countries are already partners in an ambitious programme of political and economic integration, and the general feeling was that these close ties should be extended to other fields as well.

In his address, President Sadat reviewed their joint struggle against aggression. He praised the performance of Sudanese forces during the October 1973 war with Israel, and promised that Sudan would not stand alone if its security was threatened. He emphasised the achievements of their integration and urged that the good work continue.

The speech was well received, and there was more applause for President Nimeiri. The Sudanese leader said that the people of the two countries were linked in one struggle, one destiny and one religion. He praised Egypt's role in Arab and world affairs, and stressed the importance of unity between the countries. Integration must not be hurried, however. It must be built on a solid foundation.