Egypt and Sudan: New Foundations for Bilateral Relations
Sabah Musa
For a long time, those interested in Egyptian–Sudanese relations have aspired—through collective reflection and direct dialogue between stakeholders in both countries—to lay the foundations for a new understanding of these relations. Relations which, for decades, remained hostage to political fluctuations, compounded by a historical legacy of rigid mental perceptions that long prevented any meaningful development or progress.
Despite the brutality of the war in Sudan and its devastating consequences, an unexpected opportunity emerged. If there is a single positive aspect to this war, it is that the presence of large numbers of Sudanese people in Egypt for nearly three years has created direct contact between wide segments of the two populations. This has fostered a new language shaped by lived experience. The outdated image of Egyptians once held in the Sudanese mind has faded, and a warm space of familiarity and coexistence has emerged. Thus, the circumstances have created fertile ground for re-establishing the concept of bilateral relations from the bottom up—a rare, almost fated opportunity unlikely to have been realised under normal circumstances.
Yet, despite this golden opportunity to redefine the contours of the relationship, elites, specialists, and media professionals have not paid sufficient attention to its significance or capitalised on it. There has not been enough engagement among experts in various fields, with one exception—a pioneering and important initiative, in my view: the Egyptian–Sudanese Company for Development and Multi-Investments.
This company assumed the mantle of leadership as one of the most important bridges of communication between the two countries, through an ambitious attempt to stimulate economic engagement and investment on both sides. The Egyptian–Sudanese Business Forum, which it organised, was not merely a conference to promote the company. Rather, it was a genuine effort to bring business leaders from both countries together across various sectors, providing them with a space to discuss their challenges and formulate solutions. It was a rich and civilised dialogue that narrowed distances and facilitated the exchange of differing perspectives.
The company went further, insisting on producing actionable recommendations drawn from three technical workshops covering five sectors: food, pharmaceuticals, Sudan’s reconstruction, logistical connectivity between Egypt and Sudan, and financial integration between the two countries. These recommendations were presented at the forum’s second edition and handed to officials from both governments in the presence of the Egyptian and Sudanese prime ministers.
It was a major undertaking. The company allocated a capable, professional team to ensure that the outcome would reflect the dignity and depth of Egyptian–Sudanese relations. The effort succeeded, delivering a strong starting point on the path toward bilateral ties that live up to the true meaning of “Egypt and Sudan together.”
Nor did the company stop there. It continues to support all fields of cooperation between the two countries, striving to develop further and build the relationship in its renewed form. Behind the scenes, the company has also made its mark through media, cultural, and artistic projects, consistently backing ambitious initiatives that strengthen soft-power ties and counter any attempts to disrupt or weaken Egyptian–Sudanese relations.
As observers, we have long dreamed of this new model of partnership—one built on equality and mutual respect—in a regional and global environment that resembles a dense and thorny forest. We have become certain that neither nation can do without the other. We still hope that officials in both countries will respond at the same level of seriousness, working to remove obstacles hindering productive cooperation across all fields.
What we seek is a broad, cohesive popular base and strong economic interests that can shield relations from political fluctuations and external interventions that are displeased by our unity. Here the role of responsible media becomes vital—media committed to Egyptian–Sudanese relations and capable of unifying efforts to address any disturbances along the way. More spaces must also be created for people-to-people engagement, highlighting the many positive experiences that have emerged from their shared lives, and encouraging activities that bring together the youth of both nations, helping strengthen social bonds.
We extend our thanks to the Egyptian–Sudanese Company, whose name truly reflects its mission, for its powerful and well-calculated first step. The company, which understands the magnitude of the relationship and pursues goals far beyond financial gain, continues to serve as a pioneer in advancing Egyptian–Sudanese ties. We still look forward to much more from it, hoping it remains open—as we have known it—to every idea, initiative, and project seeking to contribute to the reimagining of Egyptian–Sudanese relations.
The company has become a trusted destination for businesspeople, media professionals, artists, poets, and intellectuals wishing to explore opportunities in Egypt and Sudan. There remains much strategic work ahead, aimed at deepening cooperation that builds a protective alliance for both nations, shielding them from present and future risks.
In the belief that Sudan will not be undermined by Egypt, nor Egypt undermined by Sudan—
One people in two countries… a shared destiny, promising opportunities, and common challenges.
Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=9224