Khartoum: Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Prof. Dr. Ismat Gurashi, met today with Ali bin Hassan Jaafar, the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Sudan, to discuss ways to strengthen agricultural cooperation between Sudan and Saudi Arabia and enhance bilateral relations.
According to Sudan News Agency, the Minister praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts in supporting Sudan, emphasizing the Kingdom’s role in promoting development, peace, and reconstruction in Arab and Islamic countries. He called for the activation of the joint Sudanese-Saudi ministerial committee and the implementation of previous agreements, including a framework agreement in agriculture and animal resources.
The discussions also focused on enhancing investments and partnerships between the two nations. The Minister proposed a Sudanese-Saudi investment forum involving the private sector to indigenize agricultural production inputs, transfer technologies, and invest in value chains. He noted Saudi Arabia’s strategic position as a gateway to other countries.
The Minister commended Saudi Arabia’s contribution to addressing drinking water issues in several Sudanese states, citing the Saudi grant program that implemented water well projects in Kordofan and Darfur. The meeting also covered forestry, investment in gum Arabic, and potential joint investment projects in water management, pest control, training centers, and programs for small farmers.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Minister thanked the Saudi government for its continued support to Sudan’s agriculture and irrigation sector. Ambassador Ali bin Hassan reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for Sudan’s unity and stability, highlighting the country’s abundant natural resources and potential.