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The UK will work with the Sudanese authorities whatever the outcome of the referendum on independence for South Sudan, the international development secretary has said.
At departmental questions in the Commons, Andrew Mitchell said future support for Sudan will be decided after the bilateral aid review reports next month, but it is clear there is "significant humanitatian need".
A referendum is taking place in southern Sudan from 9 January until 15 January on whether the region should remain a part of Sudan or be independent.
Stephen Mosley (Con, City of Chester) said Sudan is one of the most corrupt nations and asked what assistance will be given "to establish the rule of law and democratic institutions".
Mitchell agreed corruption is a major problem and told MPs that no British funds go through the government of Sudan.
He pledged to continue work in north and south Sudan "whatever the result of referendum" to increase access to justice and greater government accountability.
Mitchell said "things are going extremely well with the referendum", but admitted that the situation in west Sudan, in Darfur, has deteriorated.
More than 40,000 people have been displaced in that region in recent weeks.
Margaret Ritchie (SDLP, South Down) asked for an update on "progress of any agreed settlement on oil reserves" in Sudan.
Mitchell said the largest amount of oil is in the south, but but "the mechanisms for extracting it" and the pipeline are in the north - negotiations are ongoing.
He reminded the House of the scale of the task in Sudan, where 82 per cent of the population are illterate and just 24km of road is tarmacked.
Mitchell said he hoped oil wealth will drive "real progress".
Shadow international development secretary Harriet Harman said in south Sudan half the population are reliant of food aid.
She asked what is being done to develop agriculture.
Mitchell said at present 4.5 million people in Sudan are benefitting from UK food aid.
He said a "key objective" is to develop agriculture, while ensuring that food is grown as closely as possible to population.
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