Russia and Sudan’s naval base agreement is based on mutual respect and sovereignty, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Yousuf Ahmed al-Sharif told Sputnik Africa in an exclusive interview, speaking about plans to establish a Russian naval base in Sudan.
“[The] agreement was signed between Sudan and the Russian Federation on the facility on the Red Sea to provide the Russian ships with necessary services and so on. […] And we are willing to continue our efforts on consolidating the idea and turning it into reality,” al-Sharif said.
The Sudanese top diplomat emphasized that the agreement was made with particular respect of the North African country’s sovereignty.
Furthermore, commenting on US President Donald Trump’s recent statements on planned relocation of Gazans, the minister said that the idea of trying to move the Palestinian people away from their country to other places is not acceptable to Sudan.
“My opinion is that the Palestinian people deserve the right to have their own state in Palestine, with the capital of that state being East Jerusalem,” the Sudanese top diplomat stated.
According to the foreign minister, Russia will become a key partner in Sudan’s development and post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
“Russia is going to be one of our main partners in the area of development. We also think that Russia can help us in the area of reconstruction of Sudan because of the damage that was caused by the rebels in various parts of Sudan,” al-Sharif said.
As Khartoum is nearing full liberation, and while fighting continues in some parts, it is expected to end within days, the head of Sudan’s diplomacy pointed out.
Sudan’s roadmap for post-conflict recovery and governance will include the establishment of a new civilian-led government, under an amended constitutional framework, he noted.