The Friends of Sudan Group has expressed full political support to Khartoum in its transitional phase.
During the 8th Meeting of the Friends of Sudan, chaired by Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah stated that there is a historic opportunity to attain security, justice, and sustainable peace in Sudan.
“We are well aware that the road to sustainable peace, development, and prosperity in Sudan is fraught with challenges. However, it is the only way to ensure a bright future for Sudan,” he said.
He stressed “the importance of respecting the sovereignty of Sudan and the independence of its decisions in addressing the root causes of the conflict in order to reach comprehensive peace and strengthen its national unity and regional security.”
He further welcomed the partners for peace at the conference. “I would like to emphasize the importance of taking advantage of this historic opportunity to realize sustainable peace, security, and justice in Sudan and give priority to national interests above all disagreements and conflicts.”
The minister affirmed that the success of the peace process is directly linked to economic reform and sustainable development. As such, “the Kingdom appreciates the efforts of the transitional government in addressing the economic challenges exasperated by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
He also stressed the importance of the continued support of all partners to the government in order to enable efficient and timely implementation of economic reform, as well as initiating debt relief through the World Bank and IMF.
He expressed appreciation for the United States for its efforts to remove Sudan from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, as it is crucial to the success of the economic reform.
“Supporting Sudan, at this juncture, is an important investment to the maintenance of peace and security in the region and the world. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will exert all efforts possible to enable Sudan to resume its rightful place at the forefront of the Arab world and as a productive member of the African region and international community,” the minister added.
Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok stressed at the meeting that the government’s priorities are to settle peace and build a strong economy. The Sudanese PM expressed appreciation for efforts to remove Sudan from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, adding that these steps have proven to be successful.
UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash reiterated that his country supports Sudan in this transitional phase as well as all efforts that serve security, stability and prosperity.
