U.S. special envoy to Sudan Scott Gration Saturday discussed with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit on joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in Sudan. The talks focused on efforts to achieve peace between the Sudanese government and rebels in the restive region of Darfur, and the referendum on southern Sudan's independence, Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. A referendum on self-determination for southern Sudan is slated for January 2011 to decide whether the semi-autonomous region would break away from northern Sudan. The talks also tackled reconstruction efforts in the war-torn region, the statement said. Gration said after the meeting that his country is interested in implementing the comprehensive peace agreement in Sudan and will work with the African Union and the international community to ensure a free and transparent referendum, Egypt's MENA news agency reported. Gration met with Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa over joint development and peace efforts in the turbulent Darfur region and preparations for the referendum. During a visit to Sudan in early May, Gration vowed to support the signatories of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), namely the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), to complete arrangements regarding southern Sudan referendum. 