Sisi, Burhan Tackle Boosting Cairo-Khartoum Ties, GERD, Libya

A joint statement was issued Wednesday after talks between President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Lieutenant-General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Chairman of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council, tackling many significant topics; most importantly GERD, Libya.

A single session of talks was held, followed by an expanded session that included the delegations of the two countries.

The two sides reviewed the overall bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, where satisfaction was expressed for the level of coordination existing between the two sides.

Sisi and Al-Burhan stressed the importance of strengthening economic relations and increasing trade exchange in a way that amounts to the existing momentum in the political relations and historical ties that unite the two brotherly peoples of the Nile Valley.

In this context, Sisi affirmed Egypt's full awareness of the delicate situation that Sudan is currently going through, and the need for joint action so that the current developments in the international arena do not affect efforts to support Sudan to achieve political, security and economic stability in the country.

The Sudanese side expressed its pride in the firm popular and governmental rapprochement between Egypt and Sudan, praising in this regard the mutual efforts to promote joint cooperation between the two countries, and the sincere and relentless Egyptian support through various forums to preserve the safety and stability of Sudan, stressing in this regard the existence of broad prospects for developing cooperation.

The two leaders also discussed the affairs of the Sudanese community in Egypt.

In this context, the Sudanese side expressed appreciation for the generous care it receives, while the Egyptian side emphasized the permanent welcome of the sisterly Sudanese community in their second country, Egypt, and their inclusion in all aspects of care in light of the blood relationship. And the womb extending into the depths of history among the peoples of the Nile Valley.

With regard to the latest developments in the regional situation of common interest, the two sides discussed the developments of the Renaissance Dam file, as it was agreed on the continuation of intensive consultation and mutual coordination in this context during the coming period, emphasizing the paramount importance of the water issue for the Egyptian and Sudanese peoples as a national security issue.

On the Libyan issue, the two sides stressed the need to preserve Libya’s stability, unity and territorial integrity, and affirmed support for all efforts aimed at reaching a (Libyan-Libyan) political solution, and for all Libyan parties to agree with each other to move towards the future in the interest of Libya and its people without any external dictates or interventions.

Sisi and Burhan also stressed the necessity of the exit of foreign forces, mercenaries and foreign fighters within a specific time period in implementation of the relevant UN, international and regional resolutions, in addition to the need for the 5 + 5 Joint Military Committee to continue its work and the commitment of all parties to stop military actions in order to preserve the security and stability of Libya and the capabilities of its people.