Sudan’s Burhan, Saudi Crown Prince agree to form coordination council

March 28, 2025 (MECCA) – Sudan’s Sovereignty Council Head and Army Commander, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Friday. The two agreed to establish a coordination council to enhance bilateral relations, state media reported.

Al-Burhan arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier on Friday and was received by Mecca Region Governor Prince Saud bin Mishal al-Saud.

His visit came a day after meeting a Saudi delegation in Port Sudan to discuss urgent service projects as part of the kingdom’s efforts to support reconstruction following Sudan’s conflict, according to Sudanese state media.

The official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that Crown Prince Mohammed met al-Burhan at Al-Safa Palace in Mecca. They reviewed “developments in Sudan and efforts to achieve security and stability,” SPA said.

SPA added that the leaders discussed cooperation prospects and agreed to form the coordination council “to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields.”

Sudan’s official news agency (SUNA) quoted al-Burhan praising Khartoum and Riyadh’s “distinguished” relations. He highlighted “the supportive positions of the Saudi leadership towards Sudan, its solidarity with the Sudanese people, the provision of humanitarian aid and assistance, and its commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, and stability,” SUNA reported.

Al-Burhan’s visit to Saudi Arabia follows reported significant military gains by the Sudanese army in recent days, including claims of liberating the capital Khartoum from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after intense fighting.