Al-Burhan accepts credentials of new Iran ambassador to Sudan

July 21, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The Chairman of the Sovereign Council on Sunday, accepted the credentials of Hassan Shah Hosseini as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Sudan marking the end of an eight-year diplomatic freeze.

The two nations severed ties in 2016 after former President Omar al-Bashir cut relations with Iran following an attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran. However, high-level discussions led to a mutual agreement last October to mend fences and restore diplomatic missions.

“The Iranian ambassador’s presentation of credentials today symbolizes a new chapter in our bilateral relationship,” stated Hussein Al-Amin, Undersecretary of the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He emphasized the countries’ shared commitment to strengthening ties and exploring avenues for cooperation.

Iran’s new ambassador echoed this sentiment, pledging to work diligently to foster stronger ties between the two nations. He also reiterated Iran’s support for Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This diplomatic thaw comes amid accusations from Western nations that Iran is providing military aid, including advanced drones, to the Sudanese Armed Forces in their ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces.

In a separate event on the same day, the newly appointed Sudanese ambassadors to Iran and South Sudan, Abdelaziz Hassan Saleh and Isam Karrar, respectively, to bid them farewell as they embark on their diplomatic missions.

Both Saleh and Karrar are retired army generals, following in the footsteps of Lt. General Emad Adawi, who was appointed as Sudan’s ambassador to Egypt in April.