On January 9, 2005, the Special Envoy of the Chinese Government and Assistant Foreign Minister Lu Guozeng attended the signing ceremony of the comprehensive peace agreement between the north and the south of Sudan held in Nairobi, capital of Kenya. During his stay, Lu held talks with Sudanese President Omar el-Bashir. Lu first conveyed the warm congratulations of Chinese President Hu Jintao on the signing of the peace agreement between the north and the south of Sudan and cordial greetings to President Bashir, noting that the signing of the peace agreement is a major event in the political life of Sudan, which is not only in line with the basic interest of all Sudanese people but also conducive to regional peace, stability and development. He expressed the wish that Sudan make greater achievements in its efforts of national development.

Bashir thanked President Hu for his congratulations on the signing of the peace agreement and the greetings to him asked Lu to convey his good wishes to President Hu and complimented the Chinese government for sending a special envoy to attend the ceremony. Over years China has provided Sudan with valuable support and help, which the Sudanese government and people will never forget. Sudan hopes to further strengthen the friendly cooperation with China in all fields, said Bashir.

Lu also extended congratulations to Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Ismail on the signing of the peace agreement. China and Sudan enjoy solid traditional friendship, and China will, as always, support Sudan in its cause of peace and development and stands ready to make its due contributions to the smooth implementation of the agreement and the reconstruction of southern Sudan, said Lu. Ismail noted that the Sudanese government attaches high importance to developing relations with China, appreciates China's sustained support for Sudan's economic construction and peace process and hopes to see further headways of Sudan-China relations.

Lu Guozeng, accompanied by Chinese Ambassador Guo Chongli to Kenya, was present at the signing ceremony.

As the special envoy of the Chinese government, Lu arrived at Nairobi on January 8, 2005 to attend the signing ceremony of the comprehensive peace agreement on Sudan.