Kuwait a reliable and altruistic partner: Sudan’s ambassador
Envoy praises Zain’s Al-Kharafi for the company’s steadfast commitment
KUWAIT: Sudanese Ambassador to Kuwait Awadal-Karim Al-Rayah Balla affirmed that Sudan values its relationship with Kuwait, recognizing the country as a reliable and altruistic partner. The ambassador stated in a meeting with local media representatives that Kuwait offers assistance without imposing political agendas, making it an attractive collaborator for economic ventures and a trusted source of humanitarian aid.
“Kuwait’s impartiality and commitment to non-interference stand out, evidenced by its role as a mediator in various conflicts. Sudan holds a deep respect for Kuwait’s ability to foster reconciliation both domestically and within its regional sphere. As one of the earliest nations to acknowledge Kuwait’s independence, Sudan prioritizes nurturing and strengthening its longstanding ties with Kuwait,” he said.
Meanwhile, the ambassador praised Bader Al-Kharafi, Vice-Chairman and Group CEO of Zain Group in Kuwait, for the company’s steadfast commitment to its employees amidst challenging circumstances, noting that despite the damages caused by the war, including destruction of cables and communication towers, Zain Group has ensured that its employees continue to receive their salaries. The Ambassador noted that Zain stands out as one of the few, if not the only, companies maintaining such dedication to its workforce despite the ongoing conflict.
He said that despite facing significant financial setbacks, with the company’s income not surpassing 25 percent amid the prolonged war, Zain’s commitment to its employees remains unwavering. On the defense levels, Ambassador Balla stated that cooperation between Kuwait and Sudan has seen significant bilateral engagement, particularly in the realm of military education and training.
“Before the war, a substantial cohort of Kuwaiti military students have pursued rigorous military studies at the prestigious Sudanese Military College, fostering a robust exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two countries. Additionally, some Kuwaiti officers have pursued advanced postgraduate studies at Sudan’s Command and Staff College. Reciprocally, Sudanese officers have also benefited from specialized military courses conducted in Kuwait, further enriching the collaborative landscape of defense cooperation between the two countries,” the ambassador said.
Economic, political ties
Regarding the economic and political relations between Kuwait and Sudan, the ambassador emphasized the existence of various joint committees, including ministerial committees and a political consultation committee, facilitating continuous dialogue and cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of Kuwait and Sudan. Additionally, both countries have forged bilateral agreements aimed at advancing mutual interests and strengthening bilateral ties.
He added: “There is ongoing collaboration with institutions such as the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development and the Arab Investment and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation which underscores the commitment of both Kuwait and Sudan to foster economic development and prosperity through strategic partnerships and financial support.”
He noted that Sudan is one of the Arab countries that benefits greatly and contributes to the Arab Planning Institute, saying “The institute sponsors training and even designs a national investment map for Sudan.” Meanwhile, he revealed that Sudan was one of the first countries to receive a loan from the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. It was a loan to expand the railway to Sudan.
“Kuwait is the largest supporter of Sudan. The total debt exceeds $15 billion. After the secession of South Sudan, there was a backwardness and debt interest accumulated,” he said, adding that Kuwait’s significant investments in Sudan span across agricultural, livestock, and communication sectors, underscoring the depth of economic engagement, where trade between Kuwait and Sudan flourished, amounting to approximately half a billion dollars.
Moreover, the ambassador highlighted Kuwait’s invaluable humanitarian contributions to Sudan, which have left an indelible mark on the Sudanese people. Kuwait’s unwavering support during crises, such as the devastating floods in 2020 and 2021, and its immediate response in providing humanitarian aid during the war, including the establishment of an air bridge, exemplify its steadfast commitment to assisting Sudan in times of need.
The aid, totaling over $6 million, comprised essential supplies such as medicines, ambulances, medical equipment, as well as food and shelter provisions, delivered through numerous flights and a large-scale maritime shipment from Kuwait and it is still ongoing. Regarding the Sudanese community, the ambassador said that there are 20,000 Sudanese in Kuwait who work as medical staff, university professors, and at administrative positions, and others.
He added that the embassy provides its citizens with all consular services, whether authenticating, issuing documents or issuing and renewing passports, stating “The conflict took a toll on Sudan’s infrastructure, notably damaging the passport factory in Khartoum, resulting in a seven-month hiatus in its operations. However, efforts to restore functionality were swift, with the installation of a new passport factory imported from Germany. Resuming operations just three months ago, issuing 3,000 new passports.”
The ambassador called Sudanese community residing in Kuwait to explore the embassy’s newly launched website (https://www.sudanembassy-kw.com/advir.html), which offers a comprehensive range of services and resources, encouraging them to stay informed by following the embassy’s social media on Twitter and Instagram.