Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received in Cairo on Sunday First Deputy Chairman of the Sudanese Sovereign Council Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemeti, in an effort to overcome tensions and “reservations” in their relations.
Hemeti’s visit took place days after Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel traveled to Khartoum where he met Chairman of the Sovereign Council General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and a number of officials.
The two countries had traded rare criticism last week after the Arab League ministerial council issued a statement expressing support for Egypt and Sudan’s positions over the Renaissance Dam negotiations that are sponsored by the United States.
Khartoum had voiced reservations over the statement, claiming it was not consulted over it. Egypt’s foreign ministry, in turn, denied the allegation and expressed its “regret” over Sudan’s position.
Egypt presidency spokesperson Bassam Radi said that Sisi stressed to Hemeti that Cairo has always adopted a policy of backing Sudan, especially during the “delicate” transitional period it is experiencing. He also underlined the strategic joint interest shared by their countries.
A statement from Cairo revealed that the officials were in accord over regional issues. They also discussed the Renaissance Dam and the latest negotiations over it.
For his part, Hemeti hailed Egypt’s sincere support to and keenness on Sudan’s stability and safety during its transition.
In a press conference following the meeting, Hemeti said that Sudan is part of the Renaissance Dam and his country would work to mediate between Ethiopia and Egypt to help them overcome their differences.
He added that Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok will now handle the file, hoping that an agreement that pleases all sides would be reached.
