Sudanese leader, Saudi crown prince discuss regional security in Jeddah

April 20, 2026 (JEDDAH) – Sudan’s Sovereign Council chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Monday to discuss regional stability and Red Sea security.

The unannounced visit follows reports that Pakistan suspended a $1.5 billion arms deal with the Sudanese army after Riyadh declined to provide the necessary funding.

The Sovereign Council said in a statement that the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and prospects for enhancing joint cooperation during talks at the Royal Palace.

Burhan expressed gratitude for Saudi support and reaffirmed Sudan’s solidarity with the Kingdom against threats to its security, specifically condemning Iranian interventions.

He emphasized that Saudi security is integral to Sudan’s own stability and praised the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed the visit, noting the deep historical ties between the two nations and expressing appreciation for Sudan’s supportive stance.

The two sides committed to maintaining intensive consultation and coordination regarding regional issues and Middle East stability.

Burhan was accompanied by Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salem, General Intelligence Service Director Ahmed Ibrahim Mufadal, and Sudan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Daffallah Al-Haj Ali.

Prior to the meeting, security and diplomatic sources told Reuters that Pakistan halted a deal to supply weapons and aircraft to Sudan after Saudi Arabia requested the agreement be terminated.

A Pakistani security source told Reuters that Saudi Arabia indicated Pakistan should end the deal after Riyadh abandoned plans to finance the procurement.

Western nations had reportedly advised Riyadh to avoid involvement in proxy conflicts in Africa, according to the sources.

The Saudi government media office, the Sudanese Armed Forces, and the Pakistani military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.