KHARTOUM, Sept 24 , 2018(MENA) - Sudanese President Mohamed Omar Al Bashir granted on Monday The Order of the Two Niles to Egypt's Ambassador in Khartoum Osama Shaltout in recognition of his efforts to boost bilateral ties. Bashir, during his meeting with Shaltout at the presidential palace in Khartoum, stressed the strength of relations binding the two countries, adding that Sudan is keen on fostering them to achieve the two peoples' interests. In statements to MENA, the ambassador, on the occasion of end of his diplomatic tenure, thanked the Sudanese presidency and government, particularly the Sudanese Foreign Ministry for their co-operation which facilitated carrying out his duties. The two countries' leaders were eager to enhance the bilateral ties through upgrading the joint ministerial committee to higher committee at the presidential level, the diplomat said, pointed out to holding 23 summits between President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Al Bashir. The meeting touched on the great role played by the roads and river transport in strengthening the ties, he noted.