Sudan, Iran to reopen embassies following diplomatic rapprochement

January 20, 2024 (KAMPALA) – The Sudanese and Iranian governments have agreed to expedite the process of restoring diplomatic representation and reopening embassies in their respective countries.

This decision follows the resumption of diplomatic relations between Sudan and Iran on October 9, 2023, after a seven-year hiatus.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Foreign Minister-designate Ali Al-Sadiq met with Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Uganda. The two officials discussed strategies for revitalizing bilateral ties between their nations.

The meeting reviewed recent developments in the relations between Sudan and Iran, exploring ways to strengthen and enhance cooperation and coordination at bilateral, regional, and international levels, said the statement.

Al-Sadiq also briefed Mokhber on the current situation in Sudan and the government’s ongoing efforts to establish security and stability.

Mehr News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Media Organization in Iran, reported that during the meeting, Mokhber and Al-Sadiq expressed their shared disappointment with the severance of diplomatic relations between their countries in 2016, citing external pressures. They reaffirmed their government’s commitment to restoring the relationship.

In 2016, Sudan’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Iran stemmed from Tehran’s alleged interference in regional affairs and the attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran. Sudan subsequently closed its embassy in Iran and expelled Iranian diplomats from Khartoum.

Before the diplomatic rift, Iran had provided significant military support to the Sudanese government under former President Omer al-Bashir.

(ST)