Shoukry to meet with Sudanese foreign minister Saturday

CAIRO - 1 June 2017: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry is expected to meet his Sudanese counterpart Ibrahim Ghandour on Saturday for a crucial political dialogue.
Both ministers are expected to discuss economic, trade, and regional development topics, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Ahmed Abu Zeid.

The meeting comes amid strained relations between the two countries in recent days; the Sudanese government ratified a ban on agricultural and animal products exports from Egypt on Tuesday, Reuters reported.

The ban comes in response to Sudanese media reports that accused the Egyptian government of backing Sudanese opposition fighting national troops in Darfur in south Sudan. Sudanese troops are fighting rebels in three conflict regions - Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan.

“Egypt’s foreign policy is not to disturb the peace and security of any country and not to intervene in any internal issues of any country," Abu Zeid said He stressed that Egypt respects international law and the principles of good neighborliness, especially when dealing with its brother countries such as Sudan. He further added that Egypt has been the main supporter of Sudan’s unity, expressing his sorrow for such claims.

Abu Zeid pointed out that Egypt’s diplomacy has defended Sudan over the past 15 years against foreign interference and attempts to impose sanctions on Sudanese officials.

Egypt also participated in all peace negotiations held between the Sudanese government and the Darfur rebel movements.

The two countries have recently been experiencing tension over sovereignty issues, namely the Halayeb Triangle area, which comprises three cities under Egyptian control.
Sudanese president Omar Al-Bashir claimed that Egypt occupied the triangle of Halayeb when Sudan was busy fighting rebellions in the south of Sudan.

Egypt and Sudan have signed a media charter of honor after the two countries’ media outlets stirred controversy over Meroë Pyramids.