Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry receives the US Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello, in Cairo, 18 March 2024. Photo: Egyptian Foreign Ministry
Shoukry described these efforts during a meeting with the US Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello, who is visiting Egypt as part of a regional tour aimed at consulting on means to end the crisis in Sudan.
The foreign minister noted Egypt’s keenness to continue providing relief, development, and service support to Sudan.
According to the foreign ministry, Shoukry welcomed the US envoy’s assumption of his post.
His visit to Cairo on his first foreign trip after taking office represents an awareness that Egypt is an effective and pivotal actor in resolving the crisis, the statement added.
Egypt's top diplomat was also keen to brief the US envoy on Egypt’s diplomatic engagement with the various Sudanese parties, international and regional powers, and the UN and other international organizations.
This engagement has taken place through the neighbouring countries’ track, and other mechanisms, he explained.
He pointed out that these efforts aimed to convey basic messages stipulating the necessity of halting escalation and reaching a sustainable ceasefire agreement, in addition to preserving the cohesion of the Sudanese state, and urging the international community to provide all urgent humanitarian and medical assistance to meet the needs of the Sudanese people.
Egypt’s position is that the conflict in Sudan is an internal affair and external parties must refrain from interfering in a manner that hinders efforts to contain it, Shoukry reiterated.
He also emphasized that any future political process must include all Sudanese stakeholders and operate under the principles of respect for the country’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity; non-interference in its internal affairs; and the preservation of the state and its institutions.
The meeting also discussed the ongoing Egyptian efforts to create a favourable political climate in Sudan, which reflects Egypt’s keenness to communicate with all Sudanese stakeholders, in affirmation of the principle of the inclusiveness of the political process.
From his part, the US envoy expressed his delight at visiting Egypt, confirming the US administration’s awareness of the importance of Cairo's role and influence in the region, as well as the centrality of its role in any future solution to the Sudanese crisis.
He was keen to listen to Shoukry’s assessment regarding the optimum way out of the current crisis in Sudan, stemming from Egypt’s experience and deep understanding of the complexities of the Sudanese scene and its historical relations with the various social and political segments in the country.
In addition, both sides agreed to continue consultation and coordination regarding the conflict.
Shoukry affirmed that the US, with its ability and influence, can do a lot to support Sudan and help it get out of its current ordeal.
More than 13,000 people have been killed since the Sudanese crisis began in April, according to a conservative estimate by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, while the UN says more than eight million people have been displaced.
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