Sudan’s Hemetti to visit Russia soon

February 20, 2022 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s Deputy Head of the Sovereign Council and Commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) will travel to Moscow for talks on bilateral relations with Russian senior officials in the coming days.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ambassador Khalid Farah on Sunday confirmed to the Sudan Tribune that Mohamed Hamdan Daglo Hemmetti received an invitation to visit Russia.

Asharq TV news channel reported on Saturday that Hemetti” will visit the Russian capital, at the end of this week, for meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

“The upcoming visit comes as part of the two countries’ efforts to strengthen bilateral relations in all fields through communication and exchange of visits between officials at the highest levels to confirm the common will to advance relations,” Farah said.

After underscoring the “distinguished relations” between the two countries, the Sudanese diplomat pointed out that Moscow helped Khartoum in international forums.

“Russia takes into account Sudan’s importance and strategic role in the region,” he said.

After the October 25, 2022 coup, Russia appeared more supportive of the military junta and sought to prevent resolutions that may harm them.

Russia, which wants to establish a navy base in eastern Sudan on the Red Sea, declined to condemn the coup. While Lavrov pointed an accusing finger at the intervention of Western powers in Sudan’s politics.

Also, the RSF leader is developing parallel ties with Russia’s private militia Wagner Group which is seen as a destabilising element in Africa.

However, Farah was keen to say that strengthening relations with Russia would not be at the expense of Sudan’s relations with any other party.

He further stressed that Sudan is keen to build balanced foreign relations “away from polarization”.

(ST)