Erdogan holds phone calls with Sudanese leaders, stresses protection of Turkish citizens amid tensions in country

By Mehmet Yusuf Melikoglu

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held phone calls with Sudanese officials on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of the protection of life and properties of Turkish citizens and institutions in Sudan amid tensions in the African country.

According to the statement by the Communications Directorate, Erdogan held separate phone calls with Sudan Sovereignty Council Chairman Gen. Abdel Fettah al-Burhan, and Deputy Chairman and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo.

During the calls in which developments in Sudan were discussed, President Erdogan said Türkiye follows the events in the brotherly nation of Sudan with concern.

Stating that as Türkiye has sincerely supported the transition process in Sudan from the beginning, Erdogan also said the recent events have damaged the struggle that has been going on since 2018 and put the gains of the transition period at risk.

Inviting the parties to end the conflict and bloodshed and to return to an atmosphere of dialogue, Erdogan also called on Sudan to take the necessary steps to ensure the unity of the society and to resolve problems with common sense and an open mind.

Erdogan further said Türkiye will continue to stand by Sudan and its people in this process, and is ready to provide all kinds of support, including hosting possible mediation initiatives.

Pointing out that Sudanese officials should uphold the protection of life and properties of Turkish citizens and institutions in Sudan, Erdogan also stressed that appropriate measures should be taken to ensure the safe use of Khartoum Airport, to ensure the transportation of Turkish citizens to Türkiye and to open an emergency humanitarian aid corridor.