Germany president in Sudan after 30 years

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM, SUDAN (AA) German President Frank-Walter Steinemeier visited Sudan and promised to help it overcome its economic crisis because of U.S. and international sanctions.

"Germany is happy to see this revolution and the great political change in Sudan, so we urge the international community to help the Sudanese government in overcoming the economic hardship” Steinemeier told the media after meeting Thursday with the Sudanese Sovereign Council Abdul Fattah Alburhan.

“Germany is ready and to help Sudan economically and we are studying project's in the industry fields, especially the electricity and water" he added.

The visit comes after more than 30 years of isolation of the African nation that is still under sanctions when former President Omer Al-Bashir was in power. Bashir was ousted in a military coup last April.

Germany lifted its embargo on Sudan earlier this month when Sudan’s prime minister visited Berlin.

Alburhan described the visit as historical and said it will open a new chapter between Sudan and the world.

"We are opening a new chapter of understanding with the world, as this is the highest European figure that has visited in more than 30 years,” he said. “We asked him for the help of Germany to lift U.S. sanctions as well.”

Sudan is still on the U.S. terror black list and suffers from an embargo by International banks.