Al-Burhan Receives Erdogan’s Envoy and Officially Approves Turkish Initiative
Port Sudan – Sudanhorizon
The Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, met today with Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanuddin Duran in the presence of Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef and the Turkish Ambassador to Sudan.
In a press statement, Minister Ali Youssef explained that the meeting focused on bilateral relations between Sudan and Turkey and areas of mutual cooperation. It also addressed the Turkish initiative proposed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the Sovereignty Council, which aims to achieve peace in Sudan.
Al-Burhan welcomed the Turkish initiative and requested the Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister convey this endorsement to President Erdogan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who oversees the initiative’s details.
Key Points of the Visit
Strengthening Bilateral Ties:
Deputy Foreign Minister Duran held several meetings with Sudanese ministers, including foreign affairs, finance, and economic planning. According to Youssef, these discussions highlighted Turkey’s aspirations to deepen its relations with Sudan.
Economic and Humanitarian Cooperation:
- Turkey plans to open a Turkish bank in Port Sudan to enhance trade relations.
- A Turkish Aid Organization (TIKA) branch will reopen in Port Sudan to provide developmental and humanitarian assistance.
- Three Turkish ships have arrived in Port Sudan carrying 8,000 tons of humanitarian aid.
Support for Peace Efforts:
The Turkish envoy expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential to achieve meaningful progress toward peace in Sudan. He emphasized Turkey’s commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability, leveraging its strong historical and cultural ties with Sudan.
Statements from the Turkish Envoy
The envoy highlighted Turkey’s clear strategy for ending the conflict in Sudan, building on its strong bilateral ties and coordinated regional efforts. Turkey’s embassy in Sudan, operating from Port Sudan since the war’s outbreak, reflects its dedication to supporting Sudan and its people. Turkey continues to maintain the Turkish hospital in Nyala, which remains operational and provides essential services to citizens.
Next Steps
The visit and the Turkish initiative are expected to lay the groundwork for enhanced relations between the two nations. Both sides acknowledged the need for regional and international collaboration to overcome obstacles and achieve peace in Sudan. Turkey’s efforts include reopening TIKA offices and establishing an agricultural bank branch, further strengthening its role in Sudan’s recovery and development.
The Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister concluded by emphasizing Turkey’s unwavering support for Sudan’s peace and stability, expressing gratitude for the warm reception on the occasion of Sudan’s 69th Independence Anniversary.