Sudan Looks forward to be Off US' Terror List with Saudi Arabia’s Support

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information of the Republic of Sudan Ahmed Bilal Othman with Chairman of Saudi Journalists Association Khalid al-Malik (SPA)
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information of the Republic of Sudan Ahmed Bilal Othman with Chairman of Saudi Journalists Association Khalid al-Malik (SPA)
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Sudan Looks forward to be Off US' Terror List with Saudi Arabia’s Support

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information of the Republic of Sudan Ahmed Bilal Othman with Chairman of Saudi Journalists Association Khalid al-Malik (SPA)
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information of the Republic of Sudan Ahmed Bilal Othman with Chairman of Saudi Journalists Association Khalid al-Malik (SPA)

Sudan is looking forward to Saudi Arabia’s continuous support for Khartoum’s efforts, to lift Sudan’s name of the blacklist of countries’ sponsoring terrorism, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information Ahmad Bilal Othman.

Othman expected that after the lift of economic sanctions, international, Gulf and regional investors will rush to Sudan. He revealed that Sudan is planning a commission to counter corruption in the country.

The deputy PM stated that placing the Arab Coalition on UN’s blacklist is part of a malicious political agenda adopted by the international organization. He reiterated Sudan’s rejection to that move and stated that Khartoum and Sudan are in this together.

Othman told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that Saudi-Sudanese relations are at its best, with continuous coordination between the leadership on all pressing regional and international issues.

He pointed out that both Khartoum and Riyadh are developing strong relations, adding that he received an invitation from the Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Awwad al-Awwad to discuss media issues that concern both countries. He added that "we will enhance communications between the two countries on an exchange expertise and information as well as television, radio, and training programs".

The minister stated that Sudan is currently facing challenges about the lift of US sanctions and attracting foreign investments in all vital sectors such as agriculture, industry, and mining.

He indicated that the support exerted by the Saudi leadership, represented by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, resulted in the lift of US sanctions which also revealed the depth of this relations given the strategic and pivotal role of Riyadh in the Middle East.

Sudan’s position on the other side of the Red Sea also grants this strategic relation with Riyadh another dimension, according to Othman, and he expected Saudi investments to increase in Sudan - which would benefit people of both countries. He pointed out that the lift-off US sanctions further enhances this relation.

Asked about the accusations against Arab coalition, Othman confirmed that the goal is to defame this successful campaign to restore legitimacy in Yemen. He reiterated that Western organizations deal with fair Arab causes with a form of duality, adding that Sudan is Saudi Arabia’s partner and should look into such deluding campaigns.

He stated that the cases against the coalition are named as a violation of children’s rights and they forget that the main cause of this campaign is to stand against the insurgents as the biggest violator of human rights.

The minister stated that Sudan had long suffered from these double standards of the international organizations; such as the malicious plans to call President Bashir to stand before the criminal court based on fabricated information and evidence.

He explained that the international organization is forming its report without any scientific basis and solely for political purposes, which is why Sudan is against this. He explained that the same had happened with Darfur when the number of affected children was fabricated and exaggerated.

Deputy Prime Minister indicated that US’ boycott of Sudan was comprehensive and includes sides other than the financial aspects, including the ban to use Bashir’s image especially in channels like CNN and Fox Channel.

Othman concluded that Sudan should be exempted from its debts, which was admitted by the International Bank and Fund, adding that debts were originally no more than $8 billion but increased to $44 billion because of interests.



Iran Signals Readiness to Expand Economic, Cultural Ties with Saudi Arabia

Saudi Crown Prince meets Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah on Tuesday — SPA
Saudi Crown Prince meets Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah on Tuesday — SPA
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Iran Signals Readiness to Expand Economic, Cultural Ties with Saudi Arabia

Saudi Crown Prince meets Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah on Tuesday — SPA
Saudi Crown Prince meets Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah on Tuesday — SPA

Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alireza Enayati, described Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s recent visit to Riyadh as a clear sign on Tehran’s willingness to deepen economic and cultural relations with the kingdom.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Enayati said Tuesday’s visit focused on reviewing bilateral ties and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Iran. He emphasized Tehran’s commitment to strengthening relations with Riyadh and neighboring countries based on good neighborliness and shared interests.

During the visit, Araghchi held a series of high-level meetings with key Saudi officials, including Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, and Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

Enayati said Iran is ready to broaden cooperation with Saudi Arabia across economic, trade, and cultural sectors. He highlighted that the Crown Prince expressed satisfaction with the growing understanding and collaboration between the two leading Muslim nations.

The ambassador, who attended the meetings, added that the Crown Prince reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s determination to continue advancing this path and develop relations in all fields.

Enayati also recalled Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of military aggression against Iran’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

He said the Crown Prince stressed that regional security and stability depend on cooperation and understanding among countries in the region. This includes leveraging all capabilities to prevent escalation and insecurity and prioritizing diplomatic tools to resolve disputes, according to Iran’s envoy.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed hope that the recently agreed ceasefire will help foster security and stability across the region, Saudi state news agency SPA reported.

During a reception for Araghchi in Jeddah, the Crown Prince reaffirmed Riyadh’s support for resolving disputes through diplomatic dialogue, describing it as the best path to lasting peace.

Araghchi thanked Saudi Arabia for its condemnation of Israeli aggression and praised the Crown Prince’s efforts to bolster regional security and stability.

Enayati conveyed Araghchi’s praise for “fruitful” security and defense consultations between the two countries.

Enayati described a recent visit to Tehran by Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman as “highly significant and effective in advancing cooperation to strengthen regional security and stability.”

He added that Prince Khalid firmly condemned Israeli military aggression against Iran and extended condolences for the deaths of Iranian military and civilian figures in the attacks, according to the Iranian ambassador.

Prince Khalid took to X to outline the scope of his recent talks with Araghchi, emphasizing bilateral cooperation and regional security.

On his part, Enayati told Asharq Al-Awsat that Araghchi expressed gratitude to the Saudi government for its “valuable assistance” in facilitating the return of Iranian pilgrims amid disruptions caused by Israeli military aggression against Iran.

Enayati also relayed comments from Araghchi attributing recent Israeli attacks to what he described as the “impunity” enjoyed by the Israeli regime for its crimes against the Palestinian people and ongoing aggression toward other regional states.

The Iranian foreign minister strongly condemned the continued killing and displacement of Palestinians and the ongoing occupation.

He further denounced Israel’s repeated strikes against Lebanon and Syria, condemning the United Nations Security Council’s “silence and inaction,” which he described as a key factor in regional insecurity.