Sudanese defence minister holds military talks in China

October 23, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s defence minister Abdel Rahim Hussein returned Thursday to Khartoum after unannounced visit to Beijing where he conducted military talks with Chinese officials.

“The visit was important, fruitful, successful,” said Hussein in statements he made after his arrival to Khartoum airport. He added the visit came in the framework of cooperation between the Sudanese and Chinese defence ministries, and aimed to strengthening and consolidating military cooperation, and exchange of expertise between the armed forces.

The Chinese army website, China Military Online, reported that the visiting minister met respectively with the vice-chairman of China’s Central Military Commission Xu Qiliang and Chinese minister of national defence Chang Wanquan, on 16 and 17 October.

The official military media said that the minister Chang stressed willingness to develop and consolidate the traditional friendship between the two armies, expand exchanges and cooperation and push forward the development of the military relations.

The Sudanese delegation comprised military officials, minister of state for finance and an official from the central bank.

China which is main investor in Sudan’s oil production is also a major weapons supplier to the east African country.

“Weapons deliveries from China to Sudan since 1995 have included ammunition, tanks, helicopters, and fighter aircraft. China also became a major supplier of anti-personnel and antitank mines after 1980,” says Human Rights Watch is a report about the relations between the two countries.

(ST)