Sudan’s FM, Russia, Iran envoy discuss deepening ties

December 11, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssif met separately with the Russian and Iranian ambassadors on Wednesday, seeking to bolster cooperation with countries that have supported Khartoum since the outbreak of conflict this year.

Sudan has increasingly turned to Russia and Iran since fighting erupted between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group in April. Reports indicate the army has received military support from both countries.

The foreign ministry said in a statement that Youssif and Iranian ambassador Hussein Shah Hussaini agreed to “activate bilateral cooperation mechanisms and hold a political consultation committee at the level of foreign ministers early next year. ”

Both sides agreed to boost cooperation across all fields, coordinate on issues of common interest, and support each other in international forums, the statement added.

Youssif expressed his “appreciation for Iran’s supportive stances towards Sudan” and welcomed the growing alignment between the two countries on regional and international issues.

Separately, Youssif met with Russian ambassador Andrey Chernovol and thanked Moscow for its support of Sudan’s “sovereignty, unity, and stability,” including Russia’s veto of a British-backed U.N. Security Council resolution that sought to protect civilians.

Russia vetoed the resolution on November 18. The draft resolution called for an immediate ceasefire and dialogue to de-escalate the conflict. It also condemned RSF attacks on civilians in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, and Al Jazirah state.

The resolution, submitted by Britain and Sierra Leone, was seen by Khartoum as an attempt to enable foreign intervention.

Yousif said Russia’s veto had “foiled a major conspiracy aimed at foreign intervention in Sudan,” according to the foreign ministry.