Sudan, Iran discuss strengthening ties

January 11, 2023 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan discussed with Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi ways to enhance bilateral relations following the restoration of diplomatic ties in October 2022.

The meeting took place Saturday on the sidelines of an extraordinary joint Arab and Islamic summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, convened to discuss the ongoing war between the Israeli army against Hamas.

A statement issued by the Sudanese Sovereign Council indicated that the meeting focused on “strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and advancing cooperation in all areas.”

Al-Burhan briefed his Iranian counterpart on the latest developments in Sudan, including the ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces and efforts to achieve peace.

According to the statement, President Raisi expressed his country’s commitment to “strengthening relations between Sudan and Iran” and welcomed the restoration of ties between the two nations, emphasizing Sudan’s significant role in the region.

In Teheran, the official news agency IRNA reported that Raisi expressed Iran’s willingness to facilitate reciprocal visits of diplomatic delegations and enhance relations across diverse domains with Sudan.

The Sudanese leader is seeking to enhance his government’s military partnerships with various countries that produce weapons Sudan needs to bolster its army’s capabilities. Iran previously assisted Sudan in developing its military industries.

Sudan severed diplomatic relations with Iran in January 2016 in solidarity with Saudi Arabia following an attack on its embassy in Tehran.

(ST)