Sudan Expects 'Very Strong Launch' of Interaction With Russia in Near Future: Ambassador to Moscow

Sudan and similar countries value equal partnerships, and clear Russian policies emphasizing mutual benefits and equal sovereignty are attractive, leading to an expected significant strengthening of Sudan's relations with Russia soon, Mohammed Elghazali Eltigani Sirrag, Sudan's Ambassador to Moscow, told the national media.

This is happening as part of a broader trend toward multipolarity, the ambassador noted.

"[New] international order is heading in the direction of multipolarity with decision-making centers from different international poles, thus providing a kind of what we can call “democracy of the international system” [...] and we note that there are economic systems such as the BRICS system that have become very important and comparable to the G7," Sirrag was quoted as saying.

Talking about relationships between Russia and Sudan, the diplomat noted that the two nations have a lot in common, which allows them to build "strong and solid" relationships that benefit the people of both countries. Moreover, since the independence of Sudan in 1956, communication between the two states in all areas has never been interrupted, not even during the current crisis in Sudan. In particular, it is supported by the visits of the countries' officials and the work of various joint committees.

Such a history of relationships is an excellent basis for concluding various mutually beneficial agreements. Sudan and Russia recently signed an agreement for mineral exploration in Block "24" and a cooperation memorandum with Saint Petersburg State University. Important and productive meetings were held between the Russian Minister of Natural Resources and the Sudanese Minister of Minerals, promising positive outcomes soon, the speaker added.

"During the coming period, we seek to attract large Russian companies, especially those that have experience in the field of work in Sudan, to contribute significantly to the reconstruction of Sudan after the war and to explore the possibility of their work in the safe areas currently, and in fact, we find a very great response from them," he reportedly said.

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Furthermore, Sirrag addressed the creation of a Russian base in the Red Sea, which is mistakenly perceived by some as a military base, but in fact it is a material and logistical support point, underscored the official.

"This logistics support point project can be read within the framework of the development of bilateral relations between the two countries [...] and is not directed against any party, but within the framework of relations between the two countries," he said, as cited by the media.

At the end of the interview, the pressing issue of the conflict in Sudan and Russia’s position on this problem were discussed. Sirrag highlighted that, thanks to Russia's backing in the UN Security Council, Sudan successfully navigated and avoided numerous challenges and draft resolutions that could have jeopardized the nation's unity and sovereignty.

Furthermore, in a recent meeting with the Director of the Department of International Organizations at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pyotr Ilyichev, Sirrag detailed how the militia targeted agricultural lands, confiscated equipment, terrorized citizens, and committed abuses against farmers, preventing them from harvesting. The parties also discussed Sudan's efforts to facilitate humanitarian aid by opening crossings and airports.

"It must be noted that humanitarian aid should not be used as a pretext to interfere in the internal affairs of countries clearly or to implement a special agenda," the Sudanese diplomat emphasized.

What is also important is that Russia explicitly acknowledges the legitimacy of Sudan's current institutions, particularly the Sovereignty Council headed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and Moscow backs Sudan's ongoing matters at the UN Security Council.

"It is a clear message of solidarity with the Sudanese people and government and an affirmation of the friendly relations between the two countries. The fact is that the Russian government and its guidelines are just because they are based on the principle of sovereignty, non-interference in the internal affairs of countries, and building serious partnerships and mutual interests for the two countries," he concluded.