Saudi Arabia stands firmly with the water security of the Arab countries and will seek to end the crisis of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in a way that secures the rights of all, announced State Minister.
State Minister for African Affairs Ahmed Kattan, who made a short visit to Sudan, discussed bilateral relations with the head of the Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, Foreign Minister Maryam al-Mahdi, and Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim.
The visit comes in implementation of the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, announced Kattan, adding that it aims to assert Saudi support for the transitional government and empower Sudan as an effective force in the Arab, Islamic, and international world.
Following their meeting, Hamdok reiterated the importance of the Saudi-Sudanese relations, noting that both leaderships need to develop them in a way that serves common interests.
The two delegations agreed on investment projects in agriculture, infrastructure, and manufacturing, provided they are followed up by high-level visits to further develop them.
Kattan said the Kingdom will continue its efforts to solve the important and thorny issue of the Dam.
Kattan indicated that through the partnership, both countries can enter into serious negotiations on Saudi investments, pointing that establishing a law to protect investment and investors will encourage Saudi businessmen.
He lauded the endeavors of the Khartoum government to remove all issues that may hinder investors from entering into partnerships in Sudan.
King Salman will announce later a summit for the Council of the Arab and African countries of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, according to Kattan.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman Dagalo discussed with the Saudi official developing the brotherly relations, asserting the Transitional Government's readiness to receive Saudi investments and create an appropriate environment.
Kattan expressed the Kingdom's appreciation for Sudan's support in restoring the legitimacy in Yemen and its condemnation of Houthi attacks that threaten the Saudi border and vital facilities.
The minister conveyed the greetings of King Salman and the Crown Prince, revealing that the Sudanese Finance Minister will soon visit the Kingdom.
Furthermore, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry issued a statement announcing that the meeting addressed the bilateral relations, tensions on the border between Sudan and Ethiopia, and developments in the GERD negotiations.
Kattan affirmed that the Kingdom seeks to develop a political solution to the crisis in Yemen, in accordance with international agreements and treaties.
FM Maryam al-Mahdi said that Ethiopian allegations regarding the incursion of her country's army into Ethiopian territories are "incorrect and contradict the signed agreements between the two countries.”
The minister warned of the danger of filling and operating the dam without a binding legal agreement, stressing Sudan's adherence to a solution that satisfies all parties and preserves regional security.
She lauded Kattan's visit, praising the Kingdom's support for the Sudanese government.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman, Mansour Boulad, told Asharq Al-Awsat that Sudan has summoned the country’s ambassador in Addis Ababa, Jamal al-Sheikh, to discuss relations with Ethiopia, noting that the consultation includes the GERD crisis.
The move also aims to consult on border tensions between the two countries, stressing at the same time the importance of Sudanese-Ethiopian relations.
