Saudi Arabia's foreign minister visits Sudan for first time since fall of Al Bashir

Prince Faisal bin Farhan welcomed by Sudan’s acting minister of foreign affairs Omar Qamar Al Din

The prince's visit is the first by the Kingdom's top diplomat since Sudan's military overthrew former autocratic leader President Omar Al Bashir last year. AP 

Prince Faisal bin Abdullah, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, arrived in Khartoum on Tuesday, the first visit by the kingdom's top diplomat since Sudan's military overthrew former autocratic leader Omar Al Bashir last year.

Prince Faisal was welcomed by Sudan's acting minister of foreign affairs Omar Qamar Al Din and Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Sudan, Ali Jaafar at Khartoum International Airport.

The ministers discussed co-operation between the two countries and the peace agreement recently signed in Juba, in addition to discussing developments in Sudan, the region and issues of common interest, according to The Saudi Press Agency.

Sudan’s government and rebel groups signed the peace agreement in October. Chad, Qatar, Egypt, the African Union, European Union and United Nations also put their names to the agreement as guarantors.

Prince Faisal was expected to meet Gen Abdel Fattah Burhan, head of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, and Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, Sudan’s state-run news agency Suna reported.

In August this year, Saudi Arabia hosted the eighth Meeting of the Friends of Sudan, which was chaired by Prince Faisal. The meeting was the starting point for the landmark agreement and financial support for the country, with steps required of institutions for Sudan's debt-relief programme.
After Al Bashir's overthrow, Saudi Arabia and the UAE stepped up to financially support the new leaders of Sudan. Both monarchies vowed to provide $3 billion in aid to Sudan, with half of the amount already delivered.