Our talk with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sudan in the Russian Federation, Mr. Mohammed ELGHAZALI Eltigani Sirrag, was multifaceted and interesting. We touched upon the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit, the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries, investment projects, Moscow’s role in defending the sovereignty of African states, and the growing numbers of Sudanese students in Russia. His Excellency also spoke about how Sudan is not just a land of pyramids, but also has the best places for diving in the Red Sea.
– Your Excellency, the Russian and Sudanese media are discussing the upcoming visit of the Sudanese head of state to Moscow. Could you share your expectations for this event? What symbolic or practical outcomes does the Sudanese side consider important to highlight during this visit?
– The Russia-Africa Summit is one of the most important mechanisms for cooperation between African countries and the Russian Federation. Sudan participated with a high-level delegation in the first and second summits. The third summit, scheduled for October this year, is of particular importance to us, given the current level of bilateral relations. This year, we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. We expect the summit’s outcomes to be significant in advancing bilateral relations between Africa and Russia, on one hand, and between Sudan and Russia on the other hand.
– Mr. Ambassador, how do you assess the current level of political dialogue between Khartoum and Moscow? What topics are at the center of the bilateral agenda today?
– We are satisfied with the current level of bilateral relations, as we cooperate in various political, economic, trade, and cultural fields, as well as there’s a high-level coordination in the international arena, particularly the United Nations Security Council. Last September, the eighth session of the Joint Intergovernmental Committee was held with broad participation from the Sudanese and Russian economic and business sectors. A final protocol was signed, encompassing important projects in the energy, oil, mining, infrastructure, transport, and other sectors that will contribute to the reconstruction phase in Sudan. The Sudanese government is preparing for the summit, and the participation of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has been confirmed. This will provide an opportunity for dialogue and discussion on various topics to strengthen the bilateral relations between our countries.
– Russian companies are showing interest in investing in Sudan’s agricultural sector and extractive industries. How do you see the prospects for expanding economic cooperation, for example, in the creation of joint ventures? Looking at the next few years, which areas of cooperation (energy, digitalization, or joint scientific projects) do you consider the most promising for taking Russian-Sudanese relations to a qualitatively new level?
– The interest of Russian companies in investing in Sudan comes from the generally positive and promising atmosphere of bilateral relations. The political leadership in both countries has worked to build solid bridges that have paved the way for interaction between the economic and commercial sectors. Visits have been exchanged between Russian and Sudanese companies, and agreements and memoranda of understanding have been signed not only in the agricultural and industrial fields, but also in banking, energy, oil, minerals, infrastructure, transportation, and others.
– Recently, the number of Sudanese students choosing Russian universities has been growing. In your opinion, how can cultural and educational exchanges be further strengthened so that the peoples of our countries can better learn about each other’s history and traditions?
– Yes, cultural and academic cooperation between the two countries has taken on a new dimension, as the number of Sudanese students studying in Russian universities and institutes has increased in recent years, whether at private expense or as scholarship students. In this context, I would like to point out that the Russian government has raised the scholarships for Sudan to 40% in appreciation of the level of bilateral relations, and 140 Sudanese students will be accepted for the academic year 2026-2027, according to what was announced by the Russian side. In addition, we have Russian archaeological expeditions that have been working in Sudan for years, and they have not stopped even during the difficult time in my country. These expeditions play an important role in preserving Sudanese civilization and culture and introducing Russian society to our ancient heritage. On the other hand, we organize occasionally, cultural events, exhibitions, and conferences in Russian universities and other cultural centers to deepen the humanitarian and cultural dialogue between our nations. We invite Russian tourists and students to visit Sudan, especially for diving enthusiasts in the Red Sea and to visit the pyramids, as Sudan is home to the largest number of pyramids in the world.
His Excellency Mr. Mohammed ELGHAZALI Eltigani Sirrag, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sudan to the Russian Federation, together with Professor Alikber K. Alikberov, Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences
– Moscow seeks to coordinate its positions within the UN and other international organizations with African countries, upholding the principles of non-interference in internal affairs. What potential does such a partnership have in the current multipolar geopolitical situation?
– This is an important question. We believe that Russia’s foreign policy principles—namely, equal sovereignty, respect for mutual interests, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries—align with current regional and international transformations. In a world that rejects unipolarity, and where the Bretton Woods institutions have proven ineffective in the face of major global challenges, we must remember that African countries suffered under colonialism, and cooperation with the former colonial power has not yielded positive results. For all these reasons, African countries, including Sudan, are showing great interest in cooperating with Russia. New regional bodies are playing a significant role in the international balance of power. I would like to point out that Russia stood by Sudan during difficult times and used its veto to prevent interference in our internal affairs. From our perspective, we would like to use Russian technologies in the industrial, economic, and commercial sectors, while the Russian side could benefit from the resources of our country.
– In African countries, efforts to find ways to hold former colonial powers accountable for crimes committed during the colonial era and to develop legal mechanisms for obtaining compensation have significantly increased. What are the prospects for these initiatives?
– Certainly, the colonial era was the worst stage in the history of the African continent and humanity in general. The colonial countries’ admission of their mistake, at least, could move relations to better levels and remove the underlying deposits resulting from the injustice and persecution that befell the peoples of those countries. We see that there is a shift in the awareness of the new generations on the African continent, as they clearly express their rejection of the neocolonial policy practiced by some Western countries and seek equal relations at all levels.
– To conclude, let us present our magazine’s traditional questions: What is Russia to you? What do you like most about it? What has left the deepest impression on you?
– My overall impression of Russia is extremely positive. During my years living here, the Russian people have welcomed me with great warmth and generosity. The doors of Russian government and private institutions have always been open to me. I am proud of the friendships I have built with Russians, both officially and personally, and my family shares this positive feeling. Russia has become a second home for my children, who are learning Russian. Moscow is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited; its cleanliness and safety are unparalleled. This impression will likely stay with me forever. I wish Russia and its people continued progress, prosperity, and good luck.
Your Excellency! Our magazine expresses our appreciation to you for the honour you have done us and for the interesting and detailed conversation. We wish our countries further mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields and the strengthening of friendship and mutual understanding.
Interview by Yulia NOVITSKAYA, writer, journalist, and correspondent for New Eastern Outlook
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