Kamil Idris’s Visit to Cairo: Timing, Significance, and Implications

Cairo – Sudanhorizon – Sabah Musa
This is an important visit by Sudanese Prime Minister Dr. Kamel Idris to Cairo, marking his first foreign stop after assuming office and forming his new government.
Cooperation Programs
Idris arrived at Cairo Airport on Thursday morning and was received by Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly. He then met with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The Egyptian and Sudanese sides issued a joint statement affirming strengthening of historical relations and the opening of new horizons for cooperation. The prime ministers of the two countries held official discussion that addressed the frameworks and projects for cooperation between them in the next phase. Ministers from both sides also held bilateral meetings to discuss proposals and detailed programs for cooperation between their counterpart ministries.

Joint Statement
The two sides discussed regional security issues and ways to enhance and sustain them. They emphasized the need for sustained coordination and consultation on various issues related to regional security, particularly in the Red Sea region. They reiterated their rejection of Ethiopia’s unilateral approach to the Blue Nile, which is inconsistent with the relevant principles of international law and the spirit of cooperation that should prevail in connection with the use of the Nile River, the lifeline of all basin countries. They also affirmed their joint coordination through the Permanent Joint Technical Commission for Nile Waters, the body entrusted with studying and formulating a unified opinion between the two countries on matters related to the Nile waters under the 1959 Agreement. The two countries agreed on the need to give sufficient opportunity to the Nile Basin Initiative’s consultative mechanism to resolve disputes and enhance cooperation between the basin countries, in a manner that preserves the sustainability of the great Nile River and the water interests of the two downstream countries.

Bilateral Discussions
The Egyptian side reiterated its full support for the Sudanese government and all efforts aimed at preserving Sudan’s national institutions, rejecting any attempt seeking to undermine Sudan’s unity and territorial integrity, and supporting the Sudanese people’s aspirations for progress and prosperity and achieving their goals of reconstruction and development. The Sudanese side also reiterated its appreciation for the ties that unite the two peoples, and the aspiration and willingness of the Sudanese state, with its various national institutions, to work together to serve the goals of strengthening this relationship and expanding it to farther horizons. During the bilateral discussions, the two sides emphasized the importance of considering convening joint committees, with the relevant authorities in both countries determining appropriate timing for this matter. The two sides discussed developing cooperation in the field of investment and the opportunities available for Egyptian companies to invest in a number of areas of strategic importance to Sudan, especially as Khartoum anticipates the reconstruction phase.

A Critical Phase
Idris’s visit to Cairo comes at a critical time, as Sudan is witnessing radical transformations at all levels. This comes at a critical juncture in which the foundations of the Sudanese national state are being reconsolidated, despite the many challenges it faces at this stage, the most important of which is that the war continues and the militias continue to threaten significant parts of the country. Meanwhile, the Rapid Support Forces militias have formed a parallel government amid extremely dire military, political, economic, and social conditions that require further action at all levels to ensure the survival of the Sudanese state.

Backstop and Support
Amidst all these extremely complex circumstances, the Prime Minister is visiting Cairo, which has proven to be a support and backstop for Sudan in times of hardship and adversity. It appears that Idris came to Egypt for further consultation with the Egyptian leadership.
Egypt was also keen to listen to Idris and his vision for the next phase. The delegation accompanying the Prime Minister reflected that this visit was for consultation and listening, and that it was the starting point for a subsequent launch into broader horizons.
Observers believe that the absence of a large and diverse delegation of ministers in the new government may reflect the beginning of acquaintance and the beginning of a new beginning. The visit also sends several messages via local, regional, and international channels.

Mutual Importance
Anyone following Egyptian-Sudanese relations will notice that Cairo is very important to Sudan. Reconstruction, Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue, coordination in regional and international forums, and the lifting of Sudan’s freeze on its membership in the African Union are all issues that require increased contacts and consultation between the two parties. Khartoum is also very important to Egypt, as it is its primary national depth, and the two countries together represent a significant regional influence. Furthermore, the two sides benefit economically and exchange expertise. What does the Sudanese Prime Minister’s visit to Cairo at this time mean? What messages does it send, and what are its consequences?

Great Appreciation
For his part, Sudanese Ambassador to Cairo, Emad Adawi, believed that the visit reflects the great appreciation the transitional prime minister places on Egypt and its wise leadership. This confirms the implementation of the directives of the two countries’ leaders regarding the continued coordination of positions on various regional and international issues and the necessity of ongoing consultation between their governments. In a press release, Adawi said that the visit provides an opportunity to affirm the Sudanese government’s firm position that Egypt is a reliable strategic partner in all fields, including reconstruction, in light of Egypt’s distinguished experience in construction and development. He noted that the visit included a review of the overall bilateral relations and ways to develop them. He said that it discussed all aspects of opportunities and possibilities to ensure the transition of this relationship to new horizons that meet the aspirations of the people of the Nile Valley. It also addressed other issues, most notably the continued Egyptian support for Sudanese citizens residing in Egypt.

Important Timing
For his part, Ambassador Hossam Issa, former Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Head of the Sudan Department at the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, emphasized that the visit is important and comes at a significant time. Issa told Sudanhorizon that according to diplomatic tradition between the two countries during distinguished stages of relations between them, the first visit for their presidents and senior officials to the other’s capital, referring to President Sisi’s visit to Khartoum immediately after his new term, and Lieutenant General Burhan’s visit to Cairo after assuming the chairmanship of the Sovereign Council. He added that the visit carries clear messages, most notably Egypt’s full support for Kamel Idris’s government and its refusal to recognize any parallel government in Sudan, a phenomenon unprecedented since independence. He added that the visit also coincides with the voluntary return of Sudanese from Egypt to liberated cities in the country, with the start of reconstruction in these cities.

Reconstruction
Issa pointed to the agreement between the two countries in the coming period for Egypt’s participation in the reconstruction of Sudan. He said that Egypt will redevelop Wadi Halfa Port, as well as rebuilding the Shambat Bridge and other important projects. He stressed the need for full coordination between the two countries in regional and international forums, and called on all parties not to recognize or deal with the parallel government. He said that in the coming period, Ethiopia will announce the completion of the Renaissance Dam and the commencement of work on it through a unilateral decision, which requires a unified position between the two downstream countries, Egypt and Sudan.

The Supporting Party
Eissa, the former Egyptian ambassador to Khartoum, emphasized that Egypt is the primary supporter of the Sudanese Armed Forces and their efforts to achieve further victories and restore all Sudanese national territory. He pointed to the significant military developments on the battlefield and the Sudanese army’s victories in various areas of Kordofan. He stated that the agreement between the two countries is extremely important in light of the important historical and strategic relations between Egypt and Sudan.

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