Iranian President Ahmadinejad arrives in Sudan

KHARTOUM, Feb 28 (Reuters) Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad arrived in Khartoum today on a two-day visit reflecting good relations between the two Islamist governments which face hostility from Washington.

Ahmadinejad will start his visit with talks with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, followed by a joint address by both presidents to cabinet members.

Ahmadinejad and Bashir will witness the signing of a number of bilateral agreements, the state Sudan News Agency said.

The two governments are under pressure from the United States and its allies -- Iran because of its nuclear programme and Sudan because of its failure to protect civilians in the Darfur region of western Sudan.

Ahmadinejad is expected to meet First Vice President Salva Kiir, Second Vice President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha and Sudanese religious leaders today.

REUTERS BDP PM1452