Sudan and Egypt Reach Agreement on Joint Mechanisms
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Synopsis
On January 16, Sudan and Egypt agreed to activate mechanisms for dialogue between their foreign ministries and establish a quartet meeting involving foreign and irrigation ministers. The discussions aimed to enhance bilateral relations and address regional challenges, including the water rights issue related to the Ethiopian dam.
Key Takeaways
- Sudan and Egypt are enhancing their diplomatic mechanisms.
- A meeting is scheduled to discuss bilateral relations next month.
- The focus includes regional conflicts and the Horn of Africa's situation.
- Water rights and the Ethiopian dam operation were key discussion points.
- Egypt is ready to host a conference on Sudan's reconstruction.
Khartoum, Jan 16 (NationPress) Sudan and Egypt have reached an agreement to activate joint mechanisms, particularly focusing on the dialogue and consultation framework between the foreign ministries of both nations, as well as the quartet mechanism involving the foreign and irrigation ministers.
This agreement was established during a meeting between Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council and Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and Badr Abdelatty, the visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister, in Port Sudan. Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Yousif was also present at the meeting, as noted in a statement from the sovereign council.
According to Yousif, it was decided to activate the joint mechanisms and the dialogue and consultation arrangement between the foreign ministries. A meeting is scheduled for next month to discuss these matters, along with a quartet meeting between the foreign and irrigation ministers from both nations during the same timeframe.
The discussions between Al-Burhan and Abdelatty included Egypt's role in supporting Sudan and ongoing efforts toward achieving peace and reconstruction, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister also mentioned that the meeting addressed the situation in Sudan, regional challenges, conflicts, the Horn of Africa's circumstances, and the water issue.
Abdelatty remarked, “There are identical positions on the importance of safeguarding the water rights and reaching a binding legal agreement concerning the operation of the Ethiopian dam.”
He underscored the necessity of continuous coordination between the two nations in all regional and international platforms regarding the water issue and the continuation of support for the Nile Basin Initiative.
Additionally, Abdelatty conveyed a message from Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi to the Chairman of the Sovereign Council, which discussed bilateral relations, enhancement methods, and shared concerns.
The message highlighted Egypt's commitment to continue supporting Sudan and its institutions to maintain its unity and mentioned Egypt's role in hosting Sudanese citizens and providing them with necessary support.
Furthermore, the meeting covered strategies for aiding the reconstruction of Sudan.
Abdelatty expressed hope that following a ceasefire and the initiation of a comprehensive political process, an international conference with broad international and Arab participation could be organized to address reconstruction efforts. He confirmed Egypt's readiness to host such a conference.
Earlier on Wednesday, Abdelatty arrived in Port Sudan for an official one-day visit to Sudan.
