Salem: Kuwait is engraved in the heart and mind with golden ink
Sudanese Foreign Minister Mohiuddin Salem affirmed the depth of the historical ties binding Sudan and Kuwait, praising Kuwait’s continuous political, economic, and humanitarian support for his country. He emphasized that Kuwait has been and remains one of Sudan’s largest supporters, and that his country looks forward to a prominent Kuwaiti role in the recovery and reconstruction phase.
Speaking to journalists following the conclusion of his two-day visit to Kuwait, Salem stated that the trip was undertaken pursuant to directives and a written message from the Sudanese leadership, aimed at strengthening communication with Kuwaiti brothers, addressing challenges imposed by the war and economic and humanitarian conditions, and exploring cooperation prospects in the coming period.
He expressed deep appreciation for the understanding and readiness he observed in Kuwait to support Sudan, recalling Kuwaiti projects and investments that stand as prominent testaments to the depth of bilateral relations. These include the Kenana Sugar Company, road projects, Kuwaiti architecture, Hilton and Meridian hotels, alongside other Kuwaiti investments and companies, as well as continued Kuwaiti support for water, electricity, health sectors, and humanitarian aid.
Salem said, “I now feel, as Foreign Minister, that Kuwait has a right and a duty upon me.” He affirmed that his remarks on Kuwaiti support were not mere flattery, but stemmed from personal experience during his tenure as Sudan’s ambassador to Kuwait, where he witnessed steadfast Kuwaiti positions toward his country.
On partnerships, the minister expressed Sudan’s aspiration to benefit from Kuwait’s experience, not only in investment but also through the expertise and capabilities of Kuwaiti youth, particularly amid rapid technological and economic transformations. He pointed to the potential for launching joint projects for Sudanese and Kuwaiti youth under the supervision of Sheikh Al-Zain Al-Sabah, thereby opening new horizons for cooperation between the two countries.
He noted that Sudan possesses significant potential in agriculture, livestock, and water resources, making it well-positioned to be a key partner in achieving food security. He highlighted a previous initiative to establish projects producing healthy and organic food for the Kuwaiti market, where Sudanese youth—farmers and veterinarians—would handle production, while Kuwaiti youth would contribute to financing and marketing. He called for revitalizing and developing such initiatives to serve as a model for successful Arab partnerships, stressing that Kuwaiti investment in agriculture, livestock, and technology could yield mutual benefits for both nations.
Regarding aviation and investment, Salem suggested the possibility of forming partnerships between Sudan Airways and Kuwaiti airlines, including Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways, to leverage the Sudanese carrier’s air transport rights and access African and European markets and destinations. He noted that updating the fleet and securing necessary funding could open wide economic opportunities. He also revealed the potential to organize joint conferences and meetings between the chambers of commerce and the public and private sectors in both countries to explore investment opportunities, affirming that the Sudanese government is working to develop legislation and improve the investment climate, including through double taxation avoidance agreements and investment protection and promotion frameworks.
He stressed that development and investment are closely linked to security and stability, and that Sudan is working to create a suitable environment for investors and rebuild its institutions.
On development observatories, Salem indicated that his visit to the Arab Planning Institute discussed the role the institute could play in the recovery and reconstruction phase. He explained that the institute is working with Sudan to assess war-related damages in collaboration with relevant Sudanese authorities and UN teams, while continuing work within the framework of development observatories to identify priorities and state needs and incorporate them into the national plan. He affirmed that the results of the damage assessment would serve as a crucial foundation for attracting external support and financing recovery and reconstruction projects after the war ends.
Regarding developments in the Sudanese crisis, Salem stressed that genuine breakthrough requires consensus among civil forces, political parties, and currents on a unified Sudanese vision to establish a new transitional phase, alongside ground developments. He pointed to the increasing number of Rapid Support Forces members returning to the ranks of the Sudanese Armed Forces. He emphasized the necessity of ending the instability that has plagued Sudan since independence in 1956, calling on Sudanese youth to present new ideas that transcend the mistakes of previous generations. He affirmed that the country possesses vast human and natural resources that qualify it to build a different future.
On the Nile waters file, he called for removing the issue from political friction and statements, and treating it from a technical and legal perspective. He affirmed that Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia are linked by the Eastern Nile file, and that international rivers are governed by agreements, laws, and principles regulating relations between upstream and downstream states. He confirmed that coordination between Khartoum and Cairo continues at the highest levels, noting that relations between the two peoples transcend neighborhood boundaries, citing Egypt’s hosting of millions of Sudanese who fled there during the war and their integration into Egyptian society.
In conclusion, Salem expressed his personal feelings toward Kuwait, recalling his years as ambassador to the country and the friendships and relationships he built there. He said, “Kuwait has been engraved in the heart and mind with golden ink,” affirming that his current visit reflected the depth of human and personal ties binding him to Kuwait, and his commitment to leveraging those relationships to push Sudan-Kuwaiti cooperation to broader horizons.
