Saudi Arabia, US Call on Sudanese Army, RSF to Continue Talks to Extend Ceasefire

Smoke billows behind buildings in southern Khartoum, on May 27, 2023, amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals. (AFP)
Smoke billows behind buildings in southern Khartoum, on May 27, 2023, amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia, US Call on Sudanese Army, RSF to Continue Talks to Extend Ceasefire

Smoke billows behind buildings in southern Khartoum, on May 27, 2023, amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals. (AFP)
Smoke billows behind buildings in southern Khartoum, on May 27, 2023, amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia and the United States called on Saturday the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to continue discussions to reach agreement on extending the ceasefire that is set to expire on Monday evening.

As facilitators of the Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements, the Kingdom and the US noted that “while imperfect, an extension nonetheless will facilitate the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people.”

“In the absence of an agreement to extend the current ceasefire, it remains incumbent on the parties to adhere to their obligations under the short-term ceasefire and the preceding Declaration of Commitment to Protect the Civilians of Sudan,” they stressed.



Saudi Arabia to Support Syria’s Healthcare Sector

Saudi delegation inspects hospital in Damascus to assess healthcare situation and identify needs (SANA)
Saudi delegation inspects hospital in Damascus to assess healthcare situation and identify needs (SANA)
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Saudi Arabia to Support Syria’s Healthcare Sector

Saudi delegation inspects hospital in Damascus to assess healthcare situation and identify needs (SANA)
Saudi delegation inspects hospital in Damascus to assess healthcare situation and identify needs (SANA)

Saudi Arabia’s air bridge has delivered 730 tons of food, medical supplies, and shelter to Syria. Meanwhile, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) announced that over 3,000 Saudi medical professionals have signed up for its “Amal” (Hope) program.
This initiative aims to support Syria’s healthcare system and address urgent needs in over 20 specialties.
Volunteer medical staff will be sent to Syria after a field assessment of the country’s healthcare facilities. A Saudi delegation is currently visiting hospitals and medical centers in Syria as part of a plan developed in coordination with the Syrian Ministry of Health.
A team from KSrelief recently visited the University Children’s Hospital in Damascus to assess its needs, accompanied by Syrian Ministry of Health officials.
This visit is part of a wider assessment, which has already covered more than ten hospitals and medical centers in Syria to identify needs for staff, equipment, and supplies.
In urgent aid efforts, a Saudi land convoy crossed the border from Jordan to Syria on Sunday, delivering heavy medical equipment, such as MRI machines, X-ray and CT scan devices, which cannot be transported by air.
It also carried essential medications like antibiotics, anesthetics, and surgical supplies. These will be distributed across Syria to support hospitals and medical centers affected by the ongoing crisis.
Dr. Samer Al-Jutaili, KSrelief’s spokesperson, said the 730 tons of aid delivered by air and land bridges will reach all accessible areas in Syria.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, he explained that the center’s plan to stabilize Syria’s food security and healthcare sectors was developed after meetings and ongoing field visits to assess the situation. The goal is to help Syria reach an early recovery phase.