ALBAWABA- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Sudanese Sovereignty Council Chairman and Sudanese Armed Forces commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in Ankara on Thursday, with discussions focusing on the conflict in Sudan, humanitarian assistance, and efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The talks, held at the Presidential Complex, covered a range of issues including trade, agriculture, mining, defense industry cooperation, and regional developments, according to Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications.
President Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for Sudan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political unity, while emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and a lasting political settlement to end the country's ongoing conflict.
He also highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan, describing it as one of the world's most severe crises, and pledged that Türkiye would continue assisting the Sudanese people.
Al-Burhan expressed appreciation for Ankara's support, describing relations between the two countries as "historic and fraternal." He thanked Türkiye for its consistent backing during the conflict and pledged to facilitate the delivery of Turkish humanitarian aid, including assistance provided through the Turkish Red Crescent.
The meeting came as Sudan remains engulfed in a devastating civil war that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) headed by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions, and fueled one of the world's largest humanitarian emergencies.
Al-Burhan's visit to Ankara formed part of broader diplomatic efforts by Sudan's military-led government to strengthen international support, secure humanitarian assistance, and advance peace initiatives. Türkiye has repeatedly voiced support for Sudan's unity and signaled its willingness to contribute to mediation efforts to end the conflict.
The discussions also underscored the growing strategic partnership between Türkiye and Sudan. Over the past decade, Ankara has expanded its engagement across Africa through investments, development projects, humanitarian assistance, and defense cooperation. Sudan has remained a key partner in Türkiye's outreach to the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
The meeting is part of Ankara's wider effort to expand its diplomatic influence in Africa while supporting regional stability amid intensifying competition among regional and international powers for influence in Sudan and the Red Sea corridor.
