EU delegation pledges €466 million in grants to Sudan
Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok and Foreign Minister Asmaa Abdallah received a high-level delegation from the European Union in Khartoum yesterday. The EU delegation discussed cooperation with Sudan, and pledged a total of €466 million in support grants to assist the with the transition on the country.
Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok meets with the high-level delegation from the European Union in Khartoum yesterday evening (SUNA)
Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok and Foreign Minister Asmaa Abdallah received a high-level delegation from the European Union in Khartoum yesterday. The EU delegation discussed cooperation with Sudan, and pledged a total of €466 million in support grants to assist with the transition in the country.
The delegation led by Deputy Secretary General of the European Union External Action Service, Jean-Christophe Belliard, the EU Director General for International Cooperation and Development, Koen Doens, and the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Alexander Rondos, is in Khartoum for a two-day visit.
The meeting with PM Hamdok in Khartoum yesterday discussed cooperation between Sudan and the EU in various fields, as well as ways to support the ongoing efforts of the transitional government for cessation of war and realising peace and stability in the country.
Package
The EU delegation also met with Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Asmaa Abdallah, yesterday, during which they announced a package of support grants amounting to a total of €466 million, to support the transitional period in Sudan.
Jean-Christophe Belliard, meets with Sudan’s Foreign Minister
Asmaa Abdallah in Khartoum yesterday (SUNA)
The official Sudan News Agency (SUNA) reported that Minister Abdallah briefed the delegation on the priorities of the transitional government, which are represented in the realisation of peace and enhancing the economic conditions, “a matter that necessitates support from the international community”.
She also stressed the importance of lifting restrictions imposed on Sudan and removing Sudan from the US list of states sponsoring terrorism, and affirmed the importance of EU support to Sudan.
The visiting delegation announced that the EU will provide an initial grant of €200 million, which will be followed by a further €141 million. In addition, €125 million will granted in the form of humanitarian aid.
Development projects
The delegation pointed out that they will study the needs of Sudan at the current stage and will coordinate with the competent authorities to support development projects in the country, indicating that the EU will coordinate with international financial institutions to support Sudan to meet the urgent needs and to support the Sudanese economy.
The EU urged the transitional government to exert efforts to boost Sudan reintegration into the international community and to help removing Sudan from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, asserting its assistance to normalise Sudan’s relations with international financial and economic institutions to enable the transitional government to address Sudan’s economic challenges.
‘Momentous change’
A statement by the Delegation of the European Union to Sudan yesterday says that the purpose of the visit is “to continue the dialogue with the Sudanese government and examine how the EU can support the political and civil forces in Sudan in these times of momentous change”.
Robert van den Dool, EU Ambassador to Khartoum, said: “This is the second high level visit to Sudan in one month. The main purpose of these visits is to get acquainted with the Sudanese government’s efforts to achieve peace and stability and economic recovery in the transitional period and to see how EU can best support the governments priorities.
“The second goal is to reach a common vision with the Sudanese government on the EU role and support in the coming period. There must be a clear vision, deep understanding and regional and international coordination to help Sudan technically, financially and politically at this delicate stage”.
The visiting delegation is also expected to meet representatives of the Forces for Freedom and Change, UN agencies, and international organisations that are implementing EU projects in Sudan.
Radio Dabanga’s editorial independence means that we can continue to provide factual updates about political developments to Sudanese and international actors, educate people about how to avoid outbreaks of infectious diseases, and provide a window to the world for those in all corners of Sudan. Support Radio Dabanga for as little as €2.50, the equivalent of a cup of coffee.
and then