Sudan’s Burhan holds talks with Eritrean president in Asmara

July 17, 2026 (ASMARA) – The head of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, met with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki in Asmara on Friday to discuss bilateral ties and regional security amid the ongoing Sudanese conflict.

Burhan arrived in the Eritrean capital for a visit described by the council as “fraternal,” reflecting close ties between the two nations.

Afwerki welcomed Burhan upon his arrival at Asmara International Airport.

According to a council statement, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways to advance cooperation between Khartoum and Asmara in various fields, without disclosing specific details.

They emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between the Sudanese and Eritrean peoples.

The visit confirms Sudan’s eagerness to strengthen relations with neighbouring Eritrea, the statement added. It also reflects joint coordination between the leadership of both countries on regional and international issues, and on establishing security in the region.

The talks in Asmara follow recent public accusations by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who claimed during a briefing to the Ethiopian parliament that Sudan, Eritrea, and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) are forming a hostile alliance against Addis Ababa. Abiy alleged that these regional neighbours are collaborating under the influence of unnamed external actors to undermine Ethiopia’s sovereignty.

Relations between Sudan and Eritrea have seen closer political and security coordination, particularly following the outbreak of the war in Sudan.

Eritrea plays a significant role in the Sudanese crisis due to its location, sharing a land border of more than 600 km (370 miles) that separates the Sudanese states of Kassala and Red Sea from Eritrean territories.