A/HRC/18/2 keenness to support stability and justice in Darfur. Egypt acknowledged the acceptance of the majority of recommendations received by the Sudan, and reiterated its confidence that its Government was able to implement them. It recognized the immense difficulties in this regard and called for concerted efforts to step up technical assistance and support for both the Sudan and South Sudan. 592. Mauritania welcomed the delegations of the Sudan and of South Sudan, and expressed its appreciation for the professional way in which the national report had been prepared. It highlighted the positive engagement of the Sudan with universal periodic review mechanism, considering the difficult circumstances that the Sudan had endured. The Sudan had been able to overcome difficulties, cooperating with the independent expert to put an end to tribal conflicts in certain areas. This reflected the commitment of the Sudan to improving its human rights record. Among recent developments, it mentioned the referendum for the self-determination of South Sudan and the recognition by the Sudan of the independence of the South. It reiterated a call for the Human Rights Council to deal with the Sudan’s human rights situation in an objective and positive manner, since the Sudan had always cooperated with the Council and its mechanisms. 593. Sri Lanka welcomed the Sudan’s positive consideration of a number of recommendations, particularly in the areas of the education and cultural life. It also welcomed the Sudan’s acceptance of recommendations on social security and adequate standards of living. Sri Lanka expressed the hope that the Sudan’s commitment to the universal periodic review process and its positive approach to its recommendations would help the country on its way to further development and stability. 594. Saudi Arabia highlighted Sudan’s positive interaction during its universal periodic review and the fact that it had accepted most of the recommendations, including that of Saudi Arabia. The Sudan cooperated with all United Nations human rights mechanisms, respected its commitments and declared its readiness to cooperate with the international community. This clearly showed that the Sudan considered human rights important and was concerned with implementing them by means of legislative and institutional initiatives. It called upon the Government of the Sudan to work further to better ensure security and development in all provinces in the country. 595. Nigeria acknowledged the willingness of the Sudan to cooperate with the Human Rights Council. It urged the Sudan to continue to take measures that would enhance peace, security and democracy, particularly in Abyei, South Korodofan, Blue Nile and Darfur. It called for the urgent establishment of a national human rights commission, for which enabling legislation already existed. Nigeria also acknowledged the commitment of South Sudan to the promotion and protection of human rights, and commended the Government for having created a human rights commission. It encouraged South Sudan to work out agreeable terms for peace and security. 596. The United Arab Emirates appreciated the progress made by the Sudan in the implementation of universal periodic review recommendations and voluntary commitments. It commended the constructive attitude adopted by the Sudan during the review. It was confident that the Sudan was advancing resolutely on the path towards good governance and laying the foundations for the rule of law; it therefore deserved every encouragement and appreciation in this regard. The United Arab Emirates hoped that the Human Rights Council and OHCHR would take into consideration and provide all the assistance necessary for the protection of human rights, as well as technical assistance programmes to enable the Sudan to implement all the recommendations accepted and commitments made, despite the difficulties. 597. Qatar noted the spirit of cooperation and openness shown by the Sudan and its engagement with the Human Rights Council and its mechanism. On 16 September 2011, GE.12-17756 167