Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty’s recent visit to Sudan emphasized Egypt’s support for the Sudanese military amid ongoing conflict. He conveyed a message from President El-Sisi and discussed enhancing bilateral ties, addressing refugee concerns, and Ukraine’s membership in the African Union. The visit occurs within a broader context of regional tensions over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
On December 3, 2024, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty arrived in Sudan to convey a message of support from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the leader of Sudan’s Sovereign Council. This high-level diplomatic visit represents the most significant engagement between Egypt and Sudan since the onset of conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April. Egypt’s ongoing support for the Sudanese military has been affirmed through this delegation.
During the visit, General al-Burhan received a written message from President El-Sisi focusing on bolstering bilateral relations. Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssif remarked on the significance of the visit, indicating that it demonstrates the strength and evolution of the relationship between the two nations, especially as Sudan strives to conclude the ongoing warfare.
Furthermore, Abdelatty and al-Burhan addressed the challenges faced by Sudanese refugees residing in Egypt, with Abdelatty assuring that Egypt will take measures to resolve these issues. He reiterated Egypt’s commitment to close coordination on regional and international matters, stating that the country would advocate for the reinstatement of Sudan’s membership in the African Union.
Talks between Abdelatty and Youssif emphasized enhancing cooperation in political, economic, and consular domains. They also focused on facilitating the integration of Sudanese citizens fleeing the conflict into Egyptian society, particularly concerning immigration and educational opportunities. Since April, approximately 1.2 million Sudanese refugees have sought refuge in Egypt, with many entering the country through unofficial channels due to stringent visa policies.
In the backdrop of this visit, tensions persist between Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, with Abdelatty expressing Egypt’s apprehensions about the project’s impact on downstream nations.
The diplomatic relationship between Egypt and Sudan has become increasingly significant amid ongoing conflicts within Sudan. The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, leading thousands to seek refuge in neighboring countries, notably Egypt. Egypt’s historical support for the Sudanese military reflects its geopolitical interests in maintaining stability in the region as well as addressing the refugee influx that has emerged since the conflict escalated. Additionally, the recent tensions surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam further complicate diplomatic discourse in the area, making dialogues like the one held between Abdelatty and al-Burhan essential for regional cooperation.
In conclusion, the visit by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to Sudan underscores Egypt’s steadfast support for the Sudanese military amidst the ongoing conflict. The discussions not only highlight the need for enhanced bilateral relations but also address the humanitarian aspects of the refugee crisis resulting from the suffocating conflict. As Egypt continues to navigate its foreign policy in the region, maintaining close ties with Sudan is paramount, particularly in light of shared challenges such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
