Egypt praised Saturday a US decision to lift sanctions imposed on Sudan for nearly two decades, a statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry read.

Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said the US decision would contribute to boosting stability and development in Sudan.

“The decision comes in line with Egypt’s demand of lifting such sanctions,” Abu Zeid said, highlighting efforts it has conducted with American counterparts in solidarity with Sudan.

Cairo has repeatedly denied claims that it supported a continuation of sanctions, despite mounting tensions between Egypt and Sudan this year, with media outlets in both countries exchanging attacks.

On Friday, the US lifted long-standing sanctions imposed since 1997 against Sudan, saying the country had made progress in fighting terrorism and easing humanitarian distress, while Khartoum has also commited not to pursue arms deals with North Korea.

“The US decided to revoke economic sanctions with respect to Sudan and the Government of Sudan under Executive Orders 13067 and 13412, in recognition of the Government of Sudan’s sustained positive actions to maintain a cessation of hostilities in conflict areas in Sudan, improve humanitarian access throughout Sudan, and maintain cooperation with the United States on addressing regional conflicts and the threat of terrorism,” US State of Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a press release.

According to Nauert, the US action “came about through a focused, 16-month diplomatic effort to make progress with Sudan in these key areas.”

The spokesperson, however, added that “more progress is needed to fully and sustainably achieve peace in Sudan and to cooperate with the United States on a range of administration priorities,” which included the country’s commitment to the full implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on North Korea.

Sudan will stay on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, alongside Iran and Syria, which carries a ban on weapons sales and restrictions on US aid, US officials said, according to Reuters.