Antalya: Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Mohi-Eddin Salim, met with the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Mohamed Abdi Wari, on the sidelines of his participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The meeting discussed developments in Sudan and their regional implications, as well as ways to enhance joint coordination within regional and international organizations.
According to Sudan News Agency, the Minister emphasized that the situation in Sudan represents a highly complex challenge, underscoring that the top priority is improving the humanitarian situation and ensuring the delivery of aid to those affected. The Minister also highlighted the need to expel 'terrorist militias' from civilian areas in parts of Darfur and Kordofan to secure the safe return of civilians and pave the way for an inclusive national dialogue leading to a sustainable solution.
He also reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding state institutions, preserving national legitimacy, and maintaining Sudan's active participation in regional and international forums. For his part, the IGAD official expressed the organization's full solidarity with Sudan, affirming that IGAD constitutes the natural regional framework for addressing the crisis. He emphasized the need to strengthen coordination with the African Union under the principle of complementarity among regional organizations and highlighted the importance of unifying initiatives to ensure the effectiveness of international efforts.
The meeting also addressed rising security risks in the region, particularly the spread of mercenaries and external interference. Both sides stressed the need to highlight these challenges within IGAD and other international forums, given their direct threat to the stability of Sudan and neighboring countries. They further discussed a request by the IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary to organize a high-level visit to Khartoum at the earliest opportunity and to explore the temporary opening of an IGAD office in the city.
The Minister welcomed the proposal, affirming that the Sudanese government would provide all necessary facilitation to ensure the success of the visit and the temporary establishment of the office in Khartoum as a first step toward strengthening IGAD's field presence. Both sides agreed to continue joint coordination, including engagement with international partners, to support efforts aimed at achieving stability in Sudan and the wider region.