Lavrov pledges support for Sudan’s efforts to lift UN sanctions

February 9, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Sergey Lavrov Russian Foreign Minister vowed to support Sudan’s efforts to lift the UN arms embargo on the Darfur region and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Lavrov’s visit to Khartoum was the last stop in his second African tour, which included Mali and Mauritania. In January he was in Eritrea, Angola, Eswatini and South Africa. All the visited capital are considered as friendly by Moscow.

The purpose of the visits is to counter the U.S. and EU plans to end Russian influence in Africa where it is accused of exploiting natural resources to fund its war in Ukraine.

“The Russian Foreign Minister stressed his country’s keenness to activate cooperation and joint work mechanisms, especially the joint ministerial committees between the two countries in various fields,” read a statement issued by the Sovereign Council after the meeting.

“He pointed out that Russia is ready to provide Sudan with wheat and humanitarian aid,” further added the statement.

Lavrov also met with Burhan’s deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo Hemetti.

Speaking in a joint press conference with his Sudanese counterpart at the airport before his departure, the Russian top diplomat voiced his support for the lift of the UN arms embargo on Sudan.

“We stand with the Sudanese side in its efforts to lift the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council,” he said.

Also, he said that he discussed with Sudanese officials bilateral coordination within international institutions, UN Security Council reform and building a multipolar world.

Regarding the companies in Sudan, he said they work in the mining industry.

With regard to the naval base on the Red Sea, Lavrov said they are still awaiting its ratification by the legislative body.

The Sudanese military leaders face regional and international pressure to cancel the deal. However, as the country s equipped largely with Russian weapons they do not dare to openly can a deal signed with the al-Bashir regime.

(ST)