Sudan reveals details of military cooperation deal with Qatar

November 4, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan defence minister Abdel Rahim Hussein provided more details about a military cooperation agreement signed with Qatar and disclosed that the Arab Gulf state will supply Sudan with the natural gas.

On 2 November Hussein signed a a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on military cooperation with his Qatari counterpart Hamad bin Ali al-Attiyah. However, no details were available about this deal.

Following his return to Khartoum on Tuesday evening, the minister told reporters that the deal includes “training, formation, exchange of expertise, joint exercises, joint investments, exchange of visits , promotion of cooperation between the two armies and the exchange of military studies on the level of military academic institutions”.

Also, it comprises “the exchange of expertise in logistics and industrial fields including detached service of officers and experts along with the military medical cooperation”.

The two countries have strong relations. During the past recent years, Doha provided significant financial support to Khartoum which suffers from American economic sanctions and experiences severe economic difficulties since the loss of oil revenue after the independence of South Sudan.

Hussein told reporters that the visit was very successful, point that al-Attiyah will visit Khartoum soon.

QATAR TO SUPPLY GAS TO SUDAN

The Sudanese minister further said that he met with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and delivered him a message from Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir.

“The visit was important. We found a warm welcome and willingness from the Qatari to cooperate with Sudan in all fields,” Hussein said.

He announced that the gas-rich Gulf state will supply Sudan with natural gas, starting from the next year 2015, adding that the gas will be used in generating power.

He pointed out that Al-Thani reiterated Qatar’s commitment to support Sudan economically.

Regarding the Qatari role in the resolution of Darfur conflict, Hussein said that “Doha will remain the venue of Darfur peace process and will not be transferred to any other country”.

Qatar sponsored two-year peace talks between the Sudanese government and and rebel groups in Darfur region. Doha also funds a number of recover and rehabilitation projects in the western Sudan region.

(ST)