Sudanese Foreign Minister Mariam Al-Mahdi held a video conference meeting with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. During the meeting, the importance of the historical partnership that binds the two countries together and their strong ties were emphasized. In this context, both ministers drew attention to the importance of working together to support these relations in all aspects.
During the meeting, Al-Mahdi briefed her Moroccan counterpart on the general political situation in Sudan, the developments in the Renaissance Dam dossier, and Ethiopia’s unilateral initiation of the second filling phase of the dam without reaching a binding agreement on the controversial issue.
During the meeting between the two ministers, Al-Mahdi touched upon Ethiopia’s claims regarding Sudanese lands in the Al-Fashaqa region, noting that Sudan is trying to resolve the differences regarding the dam through peaceful methods through the mediation of the African Union. She also stated that the intransigence of the Ethiopian side could lead the region to “undesirable consequences”. In this context, Al-Mahdi praised Morocco’s stance that continues to support Sudan in all matters and emphasized that Sudan’s support for Morocco will continue in all its concerns, especially the security of its territory and the protection of its territorial integrity.
Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, on the other hand, confirmed his country’s support to Sudan, referring to his country’s membership in the committee formed by the League of Arab States so that Sudan and Egypt can receive support from the international community on the “Renaissance Dam”. Nasser Bourita praised Sudan’s policy, which is characterized by its open handling of the “Renaissance Dam” file and seeking to reach an agreement that satisfies all parties.
Minister Bourita congratulated Al-Mahdi for the achievements that resulted in Sudan’s return to the international community, the removal of all economic restrictions on it, and the removal of Sudan from the US’ list of countries sponsoring terrorism. In addition, the Moroccan Minister emphasized that his country offers scholarships to Sudanese students; also, he stated that investments can be increased in some sectors in order to contribute to Sudan’s transition process, and that he is ready to share his country’s expertise in the fields of education and capacity building.
The meeting is the first to take place between the Sudanese and Moroccan foreign minister, with the former having assumed her current role in February. Since then, Al-Mahdi has undertaken significant measures to convey Sudan’s view on the GERD issue. The latest has been through a wide West African tour in May 2021 encompassing Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana among other African countries.
