KHARTOUM, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan ambassador to Sudan said Sunday the release of two aid workers from the Irish aid group GOAL without paying a ransom was a positive matter and embodied a message.

"No ransom was paid. This is a good thing because it means that in the future, even if people are abducted, the abductors know that no ransom will be paid," said Ambassador Betty Akech Okullu in a press statement to Xinhua.

"This will protect other aid workers and help the Darfurians and the Sudanese people," she explained.

The Ugandan ambassador further praised Sudan government's efforts to free the two Irish and Ugandan hostages who have been abducted in Darfur since July.

The Sudanese government announced Sunday the release of the two abducted aid workers, the Irish Sharon Commins and the Ugandan Hilda Kawuki.

Earlier in the day, Abdul-Bagi al-Jailani, the Sudanese State Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, said in a statement to Xinhua that the two hostages were released early Sunday, adding that both were in good condition and that they were on the way to al-Fashir hospital to receive necessary medical checkups.

"The two abducted aid workers were released due to the efforts of the central government, the government of North Darfur State and tribal leaders. After three months of negotiations with the abductors, the hostages were released without paying any ransom," he added.

The Sudanese minister further reiterated his country's commitment to protecting the humanitarian workers, affirming that the Sudanese authorities are working to bring the abductors to justice.

Unidentified armed men raided the quarters of the Irish GOAL organization in Kutum, North Darfur State, in July and abducted two female aid workers, who are Irish and Ugandan, and a Sudanese watchman, who was released shortly after the abduction.