Sudan’s Burhan: Abraham Accords Stemmed from our Belief in Tolerance, Coexistence

The head of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council, Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, meets with Bahraini aid officials in Sudan's capital Khartoum, Sept. 15, 2020. (AFP)
The head of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council, Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, meets with Bahraini aid officials in Sudan's capital Khartoum, Sept. 15, 2020. (AFP)
TT
20

Sudan’s Burhan: Abraham Accords Stemmed from our Belief in Tolerance, Coexistence

The head of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council, Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, meets with Bahraini aid officials in Sudan's capital Khartoum, Sept. 15, 2020. (AFP)
The head of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council, Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, meets with Bahraini aid officials in Sudan's capital Khartoum, Sept. 15, 2020. (AFP)

The head of the Sudanese Sovereignty Council, Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, said his government signed the Abraham Accords with the United States and Israel out of its conviction of the importance of spreading the values of tolerance and coexistence among peoples of all religions and ethnicities.

Burhan was addressing, via video conference, a youth summit in Israel.

Sudan signed the Abraham Accords based on its sincere effort to affirm and establish the values of peace, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, respect for freedoms and religions, and acceptance of others, he stated.

Israeli students organized the Israel Summit - an international movement devoted to discussion on university campuses between Israel and students and youth of the world, with the participation of international speakers. The event – sponsored by the renowned Harvard and Columbia Universities - also features professional exhibitions and opportunities for academic exchange, and aims to expand students’ horizons in Israel.

This year’s summit, which was held on Feb. 7-11, was attended by a number of political figures, including Burhan, President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili, former presidents, a number of US Senate members, scientists and university professors, most notably the CEO of Moderna, the maker of the Covid-19 vaccine.

For the first time in Sudan’s history, Sudanese students and youth participated in such an Israeli gathering, along with their peers from other Arab and Islamic countries.

Burhan urged the Sudanese youth participating in the summit to convey their country’s “vision to spread peace and prosperity on the planet.”

He added: “Our vision is to follow the path of global tolerance, establish concepts of world peace, and contribute to the global and local renaissance, through exchanging experiences with the countries of the region and friendly countries.”

In early January, Sudan signed the Abraham Accords normalizing ties with Israel, alongside an aid agreement promising $1 billion annual World Bank financing during an unprecedented visit by the US treasury chief.

The deals were signed less than a month after Washington removed Khartoum from its state sponsors of terrorism blacklist, a move which followed Sudan’s agreement to normalize ties with Israel in October.



Qatar and Lebanon Reaffirm Commitment to Dialogue, Regional Stability

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received President Joseph Aoun in Doha (AFP).   
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received President Joseph Aoun in Doha (AFP).   
TT
20

Qatar and Lebanon Reaffirm Commitment to Dialogue, Regional Stability

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received President Joseph Aoun in Doha (AFP).   
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received President Joseph Aoun in Doha (AFP).   

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and resolving regional issues through dialogue and diplomacy during a high-level meeting in Doha.

In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of Aoun’s official visit to Qatar, both leaders emphasized the importance of supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces and the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. As part of this commitment, Sheikh Tamim announced the renewal of Qatar’s financial assistance to Lebanon’s military, pledging $60 million to support army salaries and providing 162 military vehicles to enhance operational capabilities.

“The Lebanese Army plays a vital national role in maintaining stability and securing the country’s borders, and it is essential to provide it with the necessary support,” the statement read.

Aoun’s visit included a series of discussions aimed at deepening the longstanding ties between the two countries.

In a post on social media platform X, Sheikh Tamim said: “Today in Doha, I held important talks with President Joseph Aoun, during which we explored ways to further develop the solid relationship between our two nations — a relationship rooted in cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect.”

“Qatar remains steadfast in its support for Lebanon and its people, and stands ready to assist in their efforts toward recovery, growth, and prosperity,” he added.

The joint statement stressed the shared desire to enhance cooperation across all sectors, strengthen partnerships, and increase trade and investment to serve the mutual interests of both nations.

On regional affairs, the two leaders reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East and reaffirmed the importance of coordinated positions and joint Arab action. They underscored the necessity of resolving conflicts through diplomacy, including efforts to de-escalate tensions in southern Lebanon.

The statement also highlighted the two countries’ unified stance on key Arab issues. Both sides reiterated their unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions. They also reaffirmed their support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Syria.