Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty visited Sudan, conveying President El-Sisi’s support for the Sudanese military amid ongoing conflict. The visit, marking significant diplomatic engagement, included discussions on bilateral relations and the plight of Sudanese refugees in Egypt, with pledges to enhance cooperation and coordinate on regional matters.
On December 3, 2024, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty traveled to Sudan, delivering a supportive message from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan’s Sovereign Council. This visit is significant as it represents the highest-level diplomatic engagement between Egypt and Sudan since the onset of conflict involving the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April. The Egyptian government has consistently supported the Sudanese military throughout this tumultuous period.
During his visit, Abdelatty conveyed a written message from President El-Sisi highlighting the importance of strengthening bilateral relations. Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssif remarked that this engagement underscores the cooperative relationship between the two nations as Sudan seeks to navigate and conclude the ongoing war. The talks also included discussions regarding the welfare of Sudanese refugees residing in Egypt, with Abdelatty pledging to address their concerns.
The meeting between Abdelatty and al-Burhan facilitated a dialogue on various challenges faced by Sudanese refugees, as Egypt has accepted approximately 1.2 million since the conflict began. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s commitment to closely coordinate efforts concerning regional and international matters and expressed particular interest in aiding Sudan in reinstating its membership in the African Union. Additionally, discussions between Abdelatty and Youssif encompassed enhancing cooperation in political, economic, and consular matters, with a focus on addressing immigration and educational challenges faced by Sudanese citizens in Egypt.
This diplomatic visit occurred against a backdrop of ongoing tensions involving Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Throughout the visit, Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s concerns about the dam’s potential impact on downstream countries, reiterating Egypt’s position on this crucial issue.
The recent visit by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to Sudan highlights the intricate dynamics of regional relations in the wake of ongoing conflict in Sudan. Since April 2024, Sudan has grappled with strife between its military and the Rapid Support Forces, leading to a humanitarian crisis with millions displaced. Egypt has positioned itself as a key supporter of the Sudanese military, which underscores the importance of diplomatic engagements between the two nations. Additionally, tensions surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam have further complicated relations among Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia, making these discussions pertinent.
In summary, the visit by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to Sudan signifies a critical step in reinforcing ties between Egypt and Sudan during a period of conflict. Through constructive dialogue emphasizing mutual support, refugee welfare, and regional cooperation, Egypt seeks to play a pivotal role in stabilizing Sudan while addressing broader regional issues such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The ongoing collaboration between the two nations reflects their commitment to navigating complex challenges together.
Original Source: sudantribune.com