**Strengthening Egypt-Sudan Ties: Beyond Diplomatic Exchanges**
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty’s trip to Port Sudan illustrates Egypt’s desire to affirm its support for its southern neighbor during this turbulent time. At a time when the world is in the throes of political and economic upheaval, this visit is not limited to simple bilateral discussions. It also highlights the broader geopolitical implications and social dynamics underlying the current Sudanese situation.
**Context and Issues**
For the past few years, Sudan has been going through a complex transition period, marked by heightened internal tensions, power struggles, and economic challenges. According to World Bank data, the country faces an inflation rate of over 400% in 2023, making daily life increasingly difficult for its citizens. The humanitarian crisis is not left behind, with approximately 9.5 million people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. In this context, Egyptian support takes on a vital dimension.
Egypt, through its foreign policy, seeks to play a stabilizing role in the region. Support for a struggling Sudan is not motivated by mere altruism: it is part of a strategy aimed at promoting regional stability and securing its own economic and security interests. A strong and stable Sudan could serve as an ally in the fight against terrorism and organized crime, two threats that weigh on Egypt’s borders.
**The economic stakes at stake**
During this visit, it would be relevant to discuss not only humanitarian aid, but also economic opportunities. Trade relations between the two countries are underexploited. In 2022, trade between Egypt and Sudan amounted to only $660 million, a figure that seems paltry compared to the potential offered by more robust trade. By expanding their collaboration to key sectors such as agriculture, energy, or infrastructure, the two nations could lay the foundations for mutual prosperity.
Furthermore, Egypt, as a regional leader, can offer its expertise in crucial infrastructure projects. A well-developed and interconnected left could unite the economies of the two countries and improve the quality of life of the Sudanese, while strengthening diplomatic ties. Indeed, the implementation of railway projects between the two countries could not only promote trade, but also strengthen regional cooperation.
**Geopolitical Implications**
The recent tensions in Sudan are also exacerbated by the increased presence of other powers, such as Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, which are seeking to expand their influence in the region. Egypt’s position is therefore crucial as it navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. Cooperation with Sudan could also be seen as a counterweight to the growing influence of these nations.
Furthermore, Egypt wants to ensure that water resource management, including those related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, is not affected by an unstable Sudan. The Sofiane reported during this visit could therefore include talks on joint and equitable water resource management, which is essential for the agricultural survival of both countries.
**A Long-Term Vision**
In short, Badr Abdelatty’s visit to Port Sudan goes far beyond mere diplomatic visits and political discussions. It embodies a long-term vision to establish lasting solidarity between two countries linked by geography, history, and contemporary challenges. This strengthening of Egyptian-Sudanese relations could well be the key to navigating towards an era of stability, prosperity and regional cooperation, with the promise of a future where both nations aspire to shared development.
In an increasingly interconnected world, it is the responsibility of governments to cultivate these relations, not only for their mutual benefit but also for the security and prosperity of future generations. In this way, we can hope to see a new chapter in the Egyptian-Sudanese story, based on cooperation and mutual respect.