Sudanese Foreign Minister: Kuwait is our country’s largest supporter... and it is difficult to repay its debt
Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mahieddin Salim, affirmed the deep historical ties binding Sudan and Kuwait, praising Kuwait’s significant role in supporting his country politically, economically, and humanitarily. He stressed that Kuwait “has been and remains one of Sudan’s largest supporters.”
Speaking at a press conference at the conclusion of his visit to Kuwait, Salim said his trip aimed to open new avenues for cooperation between the two countries across various fields. He noted that Kuwaiti officials had expressed their readiness to assist, a stance that was highly appreciated by the Sudanese side.
He emphasized that Sudan regards Kuwait as a historic and important partner, adding that Khartoum looks forward to leveraging Kuwaiti expertise in investment and development, and working to enhance bilateral relations in ways that serve the interests of both countries and their fraternal peoples.
Salim commended the historic Kuwaiti presence in Sudan, highlighting several Kuwaiti projects and investments that he described as “living testaments” to the depth of Kuwaiti support for Sudan. He pointed out that these and other initiatives have made Kuwait “Sudan’s largest supporter,” noting that Kuwaiti support has not wavered even in the most difficult circumstances.
He clarified that Kuwait has consistently responded to Sudan’s needs in sectors such as water, electricity, and health, even during periods when Sudan struggled to meet certain debt installments.
“We cannot adequately repay Kuwait, whether the government, businessmen, or benefactors,” he said, affirming that his words were not mere flattery but stemmed from personal experience gained during his tenure as Sudan’s ambassador to Kuwait.
“I am now a minister, and I have a duty and a debt to Kuwait,” he said, referring to his appreciation for Kuwait’s role toward Sudan and reiterating that his country seeks to build upon the historic relations between the two nations.
He noted that Kuwait could play a pivotal role in supporting regional stability and cooperation, observing that Kuwait is “at the heart of these arrangements,” whether through its membership in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) or its strategic ties with Saudi Arabia.
On the issue of food security, the Sudanese Foreign Minister proposed reviving joint initiatives and projects between Kuwaiti and Sudanese youth, focused on investing in Sudan’s land, water, and agricultural and livestock resources to produce healthy, high-quality food for the Kuwaiti market.
He revealed the potential for cooperation between Sudan and Kuwait in the aviation sector, noting that Sudan Airways possesses considerable historical experience and expertise, despite the difficult conditions it faced in recent years.
He suggested the possibility of a partnership between Sudan Airways and Kuwait Airways or Jazeera Airways, which would allow for the utilization of Sudanese air rights and access to markets in Africa and Europe that Kuwaiti airlines currently do not reach.
He stated that financing and modernizing Sudan Airways’ fleet and forming partnerships with Kuwaiti companies could open vast opportunities for both airlines, describing this as “one of the ideas he hopes will come to fruition.”
Minister Salim expressed his feelings toward Kuwait, recalling his time as his country’s ambassador there and the enduring relationships and friendships formed during that period.
He said, “Kuwait is engraved in my heart and mind in golden letters,” affirming that the bonds connecting him to Kuwait extend beyond official relations to deep personal and human connections.
