EU announces a new phase in relations with Sudan

The European Union has expressed optimism about a new era of improved relations with Sudan. It has, however, urged Khartoum to continue the process of dialogue to end wars and bring about peace, the Sudan’s Media Centre (SMC) reported Wednesday.

Speaking in Khartoum on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaties and Europe Day, Jean-Michel Dumond, the EU Ambassador to Khartoum, said that Sudan was vitally important to Europe and that the EU fully supports the peace efforts in the country.

Also at the gathering was the Sudan government representative, Minister of International Cooperation, Osman Ahmed Fadl. He said the EU has to put more pressure on armed movements that reject dialogue and to take advantage of, what he called “the positive atmosphere” in Sudan.

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Fadl said following the lifting of US sanctions Sudan had the right climate for investors. Sudanese, he said, reject all forms of extremism and terrorism and had the appropriate conditions for investment and economic growth.

Nine diplomatic missions of EU countries in Khartoum, a number of government officials, representatives of Sudanese political parties, civil society, the media, the diplomatic corps, religious leaders and community leaders attended the gathering.

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Sudan has been working with the EU on its migration strategy to prevent migrants crossing over into Europe and currently benefits from health and educations programmes funded by the EU in parts of the country.