RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and the US urged the warring sides in Sudan’s conflict to engage in working toward a cease-fire, and welcomed the start of pre-negotiation talks in Jeddah. They urged both parties to “actively engage in the talks toward a cease-fire and end to the conflict,” a joint statement said early on Saturday. Since the start of the conflict on April 15, clashes between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have killed 550 people and injured about 5,000, and caused thousands more to flee to safety in neighboring countries. Several attempts at a cease-fire have failed to materialize on the ground as clashes continued on Friday. Saudi Arabia and the US “urge both parties to take in consideration the interests of the Sudanese nation and its people,” the statement said. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States urge continued, coordinated international support for an expanded negotiation process that should include engagement with all Sudanese parties.” The Saudi and US foreign ministers on Friday affirmed their countries’ commitment to bring an end to the conflict.