Sudan and South Sudan map
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has met with his South Sudan counterpart - President Salva Kiir, and indicated readiness to support South Sudan in resolving its current crisis.
This comes as rival parties in the South Sudan power struggle work to find a solution to the violence.
Meanwhile, talks between South Sudan's government and rebels began in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
"The two delegations appreciated the gravity of the situation and the need and urgency of resolving the crisis in South Sudan. They reminded themselves of the long-drawn liberation struggle that culminated in the independence of their country. They regretted the unfortunate situation which the current conflict has brought," read a statement from the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, an East African trade bloc helping to mediate between the parties.
African Union Chair - Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said in a statement, that "Not a single day can be lost in the search for peace in South Sudan. Stopping the fighting in South Sudan is not only a humanitarian imperative but also a strategic necessity, in order to halt the rapid descent of Africa's newest nation into collapse."
South Sudan erupted in violence on December 15 when rebels loyal to ousted Vice President Riek Machar tried to stage a coup.
Since then, militia members loyal to the ousted leader have battled government forces. Violence quickly spread with reports of mass killings emerging nationwide.
As teams from both sides are negotiating, the fighting continues. Over 1,000 people had died and another 200,000 displaced from their homes, officials say.
South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011 after decades of war, making it the world's youngest nation. Despite the secession, al-Bashir has a stake in the talks - as there are unresolved oil issues between both nations. The violence has reduced South Sudan's oil output, affecting both economies.