Moscow: Sudan's Foreign Minister, Ali Yusef Sharif, has confirmed that a long-discussed agreement for a Russian naval base on Sudan's Red Sea coast remains valid, pending ratification. Speaking to Russia Today on Wednesday following discussions in Moscow, Sharif stated that there are no disputes regarding the deal.
The agreement, initially signed during the rule of former President Omar al-Bashir, has faced delays and reviews since his ousting in 2019. Despite this, Sudanese military leaders have not abandoned the plan. "There was a deal signed, and there is no disagreement," Sharif emphasized, adding that ratification is the only remaining step.
Russia has maintained relations with both sides in Sudan’s ongoing civil conflict, and its officials have recently visited Port Sudan, the army’s wartime stronghold. Last year, a Sudanese general revealed that Russia had proposed establishing a refueling facility on the Red Sea in exchange for supplying weapons and ammunition.
Sharif defended the idea, arguing that such a facility would not compromise Sudan’s sovereignty or pose a threat to other nations, citing Djibouti’s multiple foreign military bases as a precedent. He suggested the station would be a strategic asset for Russia, particularly amid uncertainties surrounding its bases in Syria.
Sudan’s Red Sea coastline and gold reserves have made it a focal point for international interest, with various global and regional powers seeking influence amid the ongoing war.
