Turkish naval ship to boost ‘Red Sea security’ – Sudan
KHARTOUM: A Turkish military ship arrived in Port Sudan on Saturday for a threeday visit aimed at enhancing “security and safety” in the Red Sea, a Sudanese general said.
Ties between Khartoum and Ankara have grown since Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Sudan in December 2017 as part of a plan to gain a strategic foothold in Africa.
The Turkish ship, Gojka Ada, arrived on Saturday morning at Port Sudan for a visit that will last until March 11, Sudan’s army said.
“The visit reflects the cooperation between the two armed forces and is also part of a diplomatic initiative,” Sudanese General Mousa Ahmed Mousa said in the statement.
“It will also enhance the security and safety of the Red Sea.”
Erdogan’s Sudan visit was the first by a Turkish president to the east African country, and led to several bilateral deals.
Erdogan said at the time that Sudan had agreed to let Turkey restore the Red Sea port of Suakin Island, which thrived during the Ottoman era, but has fallen into disrepair.
The deal caused concern in Riyadh and Cairo, which fear Ankara is attempting to extend influence in the region to their detriment.
But Erdogan had denied that there was any plan to build a military base at Suakin.
The Turkish president said that the renovated port at Suakin could attract Hajj-bound pilgrims to the Red Sea island, in turn boosting the region’s tourism.