Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir inaugurated the electric transmission line interconnecting the two countries, Xinhua reported.

The inauguration was held on 4 November, 2013, in Geddarif State in eastern Sudan.

"the inter-connecting electricity project constitutes a new lifeline for the peoples of Sudan and Ethiopia," said Sudan's Minister of Electricity and Water Resources Osma Abullah, during the inauguration ceremony.

The 350 megawatts project, extending 321 km, costed US$70 million, with a fund from the India Funding and Import Bank and contribution from the both countries' governments, according to Abullah.

"We are working to enhance the two countries' ties and leverage the commercial side with 100 to 150 million dollars annually to decrease the thermal generating and provide electricity for the border villages," Abullah said.

The completion of the project will immediately allow Sudan is to commence the purchase of 100 megawatts electricic power during the first phase from Ethiopia, according to Xinhua.

Source: Xinhua