Sudan and South Sudan are set to resume peace talks that broke down last month because of fighting along their border.

The African Union-led talks Tuesday in Ethiopia's capital come as Sudan pledged to withdraw its troops from the oil-producing Abyei region.

Sudan's defense ministry announced the withdraw Monday, saying it was a goodwill gesture for the negotiations. South Sudan pulled its troops from the contested region earlier this month.

South Sudan's chief negotiator said Juba is “more optimistic” than any other time heading into Tuesday's talks.

The two nations have several critical issues to resolve from South Sudan's split from Sudan last year, including disputes over border demarcation, oil revenue and the status of nationals in each other's country.