Sudan, South Sudan agree to pull troops from demilitarized zone March 8, 2013 -- Updated 2331 GMT (0731 HKT) (CNN) -- Sudan and South Sudan signed an agreement Friday to soon withdraw their respective military forces from a demilitarized zone between the two African countries, officials from both nations said. Signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the deal was brokered by former South African President Thabo Mbeki. Defense ministers from both Sudan and South Sudan promised they'd implement the agreement later this month. South Sudan became independent from Sudan in July 2011, following a popular referendum. But the two nations have remained at odds on some issues, including defining their borders and oil exports.