Khartoum: Minister of Culture and Information and Government Spokesperson Khalid Al-Aiser has commended the strategic partnership between Sudan and Turkey in all fields, in addition to joint cooperation in the country’s archaeological sector, in the context of preserving the country’s national identity and cultural heritage. This came during the signing ceremony on Sunday for the receipt of the governorate building, one of the historic buildings on Sawakin Island, which was restored and renovated by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).
According to Sudan News Agency, Al-Aiser added that Sawakin is an icon of culture and tourism in Sudan, and that the work done heralds a new era in Sudanese-Turkish relations. Al-Aiser praised Turkey’s supportive stances towards Sudan and, on behalf of the Sudanese nation, thanked the Turkish government and people for this cooperation.
The Minister stressed the importance of strengthening the partnership with Turkey in all fields, within the context of ongoing cooperation, until all affected museums and antiquities, from Portsudan to El-Fashir and museums in all Sudanese states, are rehabilitated. He thanked those in charge of the project for their achievements.
For his part, Turkish Ambassador to Sudan, Fatih Yildiz, underscored the long-standing historical relations between the two countries, affirming Turkey’s keenness to contribute to post-war reconstruction and development. He affirmed Turkey’s support for all development projects in Sawakin and TIKA’s continued services to all Sudanese states, wishing Sudan security and stability.
Meanwhile, the Wali (governor) of the Red Sea State, Mustafa Mohamed Nour, welcomed the receipt of the historic buildings on Sawakin Island that were restored and rehabilitated by TIKA. He noted the deep-rooted historical relations between the two countries, underlining the importance of strengthening joint cooperation on all projects in the state.