Sudan, Eritrea discuss deepening ties, strengthening political, security coordination

By Adel Abdelrheem and Rania Abu Shamala

KHARTOUM, Sudan/ISTANBUL (AA)— Sudanese Sovereignty Council chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan discussed on Saturday with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki in the eastern city of Port Sudan ways to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance political and security coordination between the two countries.

According to the Sudanese News Agency (SUNA), the talks focused on activating cooperation across various sectors, including security and economic and trade relations, in addition to exchanging views on regional issues and ways to support stability in the region.

The news agency said the two leaders reviewed the latest developments in Sudan amid the ongoing war between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and discussed mechanisms to help achieve peace and regional security.

During the meeting, al-Burhan stressed Sudan’s commitment to advancing its strategic relationship with Eritrea and pushing it toward “broader horizons,” praising Asmara’s supportive positions on Sudan’s unity and stability.

He emphasized his government’s commitment to continuing cooperation with Eritrea in all fields.

Al-Burhan also expressed his hope for greater coordination that would serve the interests of both peoples and strengthen regional security.

For his part, the Eritrean president affirmed, according to SUNA, his country’s support for Sudan’s unity and stability and its rejection of any foreign interference in its internal affairs.

“Sudan’s stability is a prerequisite for the stability of the region,” he noted.

Afwerki also renewed his commitment to strengthening cooperation and fraternal ties with Khartoum.

Earlier on Saturday, Afwerki arrived in Port Sudan for an official visit of unspecified duration, as the Sudanese army continues to fight intense battles with the RSF in the Kordofan region and other areas.

Last month, the RSF seized El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, and was accused of committing massacres against civilians by local and international rights groups.

Since April 2023, the Sudanese army and the RSF have been locked in a war that regional and international mediations have failed to end. The conflict has killed thousands of people and displaced millions of others.