Spotlight on the Foreign Minister’s Visit to Moscow
By Dr. Hassan Mohamed Saleh
The visit of Sudanese Foreign Minister Dr. Ali Youssef to the Russian capital, Moscow, which lasted three days and concluded with a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, deserves attention from the Sudanese media and public opinion. This visit should not be overshadowed by the rapid developments, including the victories of the Sudanese Armed Forces over the Rapid Support Forces militia across all battlefronts in Sudan. Meanwhile, there is an ongoing international and regional scramble over Sudan, involving Sudanese factions supporting the rebellious militia, African Union circles conspiring against Sudan and its people, and the United Arab Emirates, the biggest supporter of the terrorist Al-Dagalo militia.
This was not the first visit by a Sudanese official to Moscow. Vice President of the Sovereignty Council, Commander Malik Agar, visited the Russian capital in 2024, followed by a high-profile visit by Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Yassin Ibrahim, which yielded significant results for the “Battle of Dignity.” Most recently, Foreign Minister Dr. Ali Youssef visited Moscow from February 9 to February 11, 2025, at the invitation of his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.
A common theme among Sudanese officials’ visits to Moscow has been the strong satisfaction with the outcomes, particularly in military, security, trade, economic, international, and political affairs.
Meanwhile, several Russian government officials, including the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, President Putin’s advisor, and executives from various Russian companies and institutions, arrived in Port Sudan, the country’s administrative capital. Numerous fruitful discussions took place between Sudanese and Russian officials, leading to Russian investment initiatives in gold, oil, electricity, and reconstruction efforts aimed at restoring infrastructure and essential services after the war ends and Sudan embarks on its rebuilding process.
Foreign Minister Dr. Ali Youssef’s statement to international media that “Sudan and Russia agree on everything” reaffirmed the depth of Sudanese-Russian relations and the high level of understanding between the two nations. When asked about the planned Russian naval base in Port Sudan, he confirmed that both countries fully agreed on its establishment and that there was no dispute over the matter. This statement refuted Western media claims that Sudan had withdrawn its approval of the base due to alleged conditions requiring consent from Red Sea-bordering nations or Sudanese parliamentary approval, the latter of which is currently nonexistent. The minister’s remarks reaffirmed that Sudan and Russia see eye to eye on the Russian naval base, a matter that has unsettled major powers seeking to prevent Russia from establishing a presence in the Red Sea and Africa, while also attempting to distance Sudan from Russia, which is considered a primary adversary of Europe, the United States, and NATO.
The success of the foreign minister’s visit can be attributed to the smooth cooperation between Russia and African nations, particularly Sudan, in light of France’s deteriorating relations with several African countries such as Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso. African nations have increasingly strengthened ties with Russia, which has been actively supporting them and providing significant assistance. Sudanese-Russian relations now extend far beyond a mere naval observation post guarded by 300 soldiers, who could be targeted by Russia’s adversaries, as happened with Russian forces in Syria. This does not mean that the Russian naval base in the Red Sea will not be established, but rather that it is not a precondition for Sudan-Russia cooperation. Given Russia’s strategic interest in its relationship with Sudan, the establishment of the naval base remains a viable possibility at any time.
At this critical juncture, as war rages in Sudan, Russia has demonstrated strong support for the Sudanese Armed Forces against the Rapid Support Forces militia, which was previously backed by Russia’s Wagner Group. Russia has taken significant steps to enhance security and strategic cooperation with Sudan, thwarting Britain’s attempt to deploy UN forces to Sudan under humanitarian pretexts. Russia exercised its veto power at the UN Security Council, effectively blocking a full-scale international conspiracy against Sudan orchestrated by Britain and the United States. The Sudanese foreign minister expressed his gratitude to Russia for its supportive stance at the Security Council.
This visit was not a mere diplomatic formality; rather, it marks a strategic milestone in Sudan-Russia relations, reinforcing military cooperation and diplomatic coordination at international forums to uphold Sudan’s sovereignty, independence, and security.
Following the momentum generated by the foreign minister’s visit, the Sudanese and Russian people now eagerly anticipate a visit by Sudan’s Sovereignty Council Chairman, Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, to Moscow. Such a visit would further solidify Sudan-Russia relations and foster comprehensive cooperation and friendship between the two nations under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin.
Source: “Sudanese Echoes”
