Sisi Meets Burhan, Affirms Egypt’s Keenness on ‘Unity of Sudanese Ranks’

Sisi receives Al-Burhan at the Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo. (Egyptian Presidency)
Sisi receives Al-Burhan at the Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo. (Egyptian Presidency)
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Sisi Meets Burhan, Affirms Egypt’s Keenness on ‘Unity of Sudanese Ranks’

Sisi receives Al-Burhan at the Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo. (Egyptian Presidency)
Sisi receives Al-Burhan at the Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo. (Egyptian Presidency)

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi stressed his country’s keenness on Sudan’s security and pledged to continue providing full support to achieve political, security and economic stability.
On Thursday, Sisi received Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council, at Cairo International Airport. An official reception ceremony was held at the Al-Ittihadiya Palace, east of Cairo, during which the two national anthems were played.
Al-Burhan’s visit to Cairo comes as part of a foreign tour that started in Libya, amid a conflict that has been going on for more than 10 months between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
According to a statement by the Egyptian Presidency, Sisi affirmed that Egypt “will continue to play its role in alleviating the humanitarian effects of the conflict,” within the framework of the bilateral “historical and fraternal relations.”
According to the statement, the two officials discussed the “developments in Sudan, and the efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis in a way that ensures stability, preserves the sovereignty, unity and cohesion of the Sudanese state and its institutions, and meets the aspirations of the Sudanese people...”
The official spokesman for the Egyptian presidency quoted Al-Burhan as voicing “his country’s great appreciation for Egyptian support in light of the current circumstances.”
The Sovereignty Council media platforms reported that Burhan presented during the meeting “the government’s vision for ending the war and sustaining peace and stability in the country”.
He also spoke about the violations committed by the RSF against the citizens.
The officials also discussed the latest developments in the region, including the situation in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing “the necessity of a ceasefire and the immediate implementation of humanitarian aid.”
The war broke out in Sudan in April due to disputes over the powers of the army and the Rapid Support Forces.

 

 



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.