Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef’s visit to Iran highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties through enhanced cooperation, mutual support, and strategic partnerships. The discussions included trade, military support, and technological exchange, reinforcing Iran’s commitment to fostering independent relationships free from Western influence. Analysts suggest that Sudan’s current challenges provide a unique opportunity to revitalize its cooperation with Iran, emphasizing mutual benefits and regional stability.
KHARTOUM – Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssef recently visited Tehran, where he met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. They discussed enhancing bilateral relations and agreed to create a clear plan to improve cooperation, emphasizing joint efforts in regional and international forums. The ministers also addressed increasing trade and the establishment of a ministerial committee and a business forum for collaboration between their nations.
The meetings highlighted Iran’s intention to play a key role in the reconstruction of Sudan. They signed a memorandum regarding visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders and established a political consultation committee. This renewed interest in relations reflects a shared history and previous cooperation, despite past tensions stemming from external interference and sanctions.
Strategic analyst Dr. Omar al-Mannan noted the growing concern in the West about Iran’s emerging power, suggesting that unlike the dependency of many nations on Western influence, Iran fosters independent partnerships. Despite international sanctions, Iran has shown resilience, forming alliances based on mutual benefits, which starkly contrasts the approach often seen from European allies.
Iran’s alliances differ significantly from those of Western countries in several key aspects:
1. Consistency – Iran maintains steadfast support for its allies even in crises, unlike Western nations that may retract support.
2. Generous Military Supply – Iran commonly offers more substantial military support, including weapons, than Western nations provide.
3. Timely Aid – Iran assists its partners regardless of their financial status, whereas Western support is usually conditional on funding.
4. Technology Transfer – Iran enhances its allies’ military capabilities by sharing technology, contrasting with Western practices that limit technology sharing.
5. Rights to Weapon Development – Iran permits allies to produce and improve their own military assets, fostering self-sufficiency, a stark change from the control exercised by Western suppliers.
In conclusion, Iran emphasizes forming mutually beneficial partnerships, making it an appealing ally. Analysts suggest that relations between Sudan and Iran are revitalized due to Sudan’s current struggles and isolation. Cooperation on shared interests and respect for sovereignty is essential for future interactions. Journalist Ibrahim Shaqlawi notes the potential for enhanced collaboration in agriculture, energy, and technology, encouraging both nations to leverage their respective resources.
Sudan’s strategic position in Africa can facilitate Iran’s engagement with the continent, providing an opportunity for both nations to attend to their economic prospects amid existing regional challenges. However, political and economic hurdles remain, such as sanctions against Iran and the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Both countries must overcome these through mutual commitment and a thorough strategy focused on common interests, addressing the international challenges they face together.
As the historical relationship between Sudan and the U.S. has yielded little for Sudan, the emphasis now lies in forming genuine partnerships with countries like Iran for economic and social benefits, maximizing potential growth and lifting international isolation.
Iran and Sudan are actively working to strengthen their bilateral ties, establishing agreements focused on cooperation in various sectors including agriculture, energy, and trade. This partnership reflects Iran’s strategy of creating stable, mutually beneficial alliances in contrast to Western diplomatic practices, offering Sudan a viable alternative to past reliance on Western support. The potential for economic growth and shared resilience against international isolation marks a significant shift in Sudan’s foreign relations strategy.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
