Egypt’s foreign minister visits Sudan, pledges support for Army

December 3, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty visited Sudan on Tuesday, delivering a message of support from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan’s Sovereign Council.

Abdelatty’s visit marks the highest-level diplomatic engagement with Sudan since the conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) began in April. Egypt has firmly backed the Sudanese military in the conflict.

The Sovereign Council said in a statement that Al-Burhan received a written message from El-Sisi focusing on strengthening bilateral ties.

“This visit reflects the strength and development of relations between the two countries,” said Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssif, emphasizing its importance as Sudan seeks to end the war.

Abdelatty and al-Burhan discussed challenges faced by Sudanese refugees in Egypt, with Abdelatty pledging to address them. He affirmed Egypt’s support for Sudan and its commitment to close coordination on regional and international issues.

The Egyptian foreign minister also pledged to work towards reinstating Sudan’s membership in the African Union.

Abdelatty and Youssif held talks and agreed to enhance political, economic, and consular cooperation. They discussed ways to ease difficulties faced by Sudanese citizens who fled to Egypt since the conflict began, particularly regarding immigration and education.

Egypt has taken in 1.2 million Sudanese refugees since April. Some entered illegally due to Cairo’s strict visa requirements.

The visit comes amid ongoing tensions between Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s concerns about the dam’s impact on downstream countries.