Cairo – almohagig – Sabah Musa
Sudanese Ambassador to Moscow Mohammed Al-Ghazali Al-Tajani affirmed that the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister’s visit to Sudan on Sunday is significant by all measures and represents a clear message to the regional and international community about the strength and solidity of the relations between the two countries.
Al-Tajani stated in exclusive remarks to “Almohagig” that the visit, as described by the Russian official, signifies friendship relations through which Russia seeks to develop strategic partnership relations in various fields. He added that the general orientation of Russian foreign policy is to reject interventions in the internal affairs of countries, and to build relationships based on mutual and common interests, respected and appreciated by many countries, including Sudan.
He further noted that Russia’s support for Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity has been praised, especially in light of continuous attempts to intervene in Sudan’s internal affairs and disrupt the country’s unity and stability. He explained that Russia understands such positions well, as it also faces numerous conspiracies, leading to mutual understanding and alignment of views, providing a basis for joint action to confront challenges.
Al-Tajani emphasised that the visit affirmed both countries’ keenness to develop cooperation, consultation, and coordination in international forums.
He stated that Sudan expressed its gratitude and appreciation for Russia’s supportive positions regarding Sudan’s unity and independence, especially in the UN Security Council. He pointed out that the visit marks an important starting point for relations and establishes a Russian role in the reconstruction phase after the devastation caused by the Rapid Support Forces militia.
He mentioned that there are bilateral frameworks and projects proposed that are capable of achieving this goal, and both sides have affirmed the resumption of the Joint Ministerial Committee’s work, which last convened in Moscow in August 2022 and did not meet the following year due to the war. He added that the committee’s protocol includes ambitious, strategic, and meaningful projects that elevate the relationship to the level of strategic partnership. He highlighted that the meetings reflected the availability of political will from both sides to move forward when circumstances become favourable, explaining that the visit provided an opportunity to enlighten the Russian side about the latest developments in the Sudanese arena, particularly regarding ground operations, the initiative of the armed forces, and the situation of the militia, which has become leaderless, causing corruption, killings, displacement, and violations of all international and humanitarian laws.
He stated that the visit underscored the importance of economic cooperation between the two countries, and the work of Russian companies in the field of exploration amid the security situation in Sudan confirms Russia’s commitment to sustaining its economic relations and contributing to replenishing the Sudanese treasury with resources to alleviate the economic hardships resulting from the war.
He emphasised that despite the current circumstances, the Sudanese government is fulfilling its responsibilities towards its citizens. Russian investment assists in that effort, earning the Sudanese government’s and people’s appreciation. He affirmed that this places Russia at the forefront of countries upon which Sudan will rely to expand its investments for the benefit of the two peoples after the war’s end, contributing to the reconstruction of infrastructure and the energy, oil, and other sectors.
Asked about the possibility of Moscow’s role in resolving the Sudanese crisis, Al-Tajani said that Russia always expresses its readiness to play any role the Sudanese government requests to achieve peace. He noted that Russia has expressed this on many occasions and in statements issued by the Russian government and in meetings between officials of the two countries, adding that Russia, with its balanced policies and fair propositions, is gaining new friendships with many countries in our regional environment. He stated that Russia is qualified to contribute to finding solutions to the Sudanese crisis due to its acceptability and propositions that are not based on any preconditions or undisclosed agendas, nor do they interfere in internal affairs.
Regarding the Wagner Group forces that support the Rapid Support Forces and the possibility of stopping this support, the Sudanese ambassador in Moscow said that the issue of Wagner is no longer on the table after the changes that occurred following its rebellion and the death of its leader, who had a personal relationship with the rebellious Rapid Support Forces, adding that the Wagner forces are now under the command of the Russian Ministry of Defense, meaning they are subject to the principles and rules of Russian military cooperation with other countries.
