Sudan agrees to normalise tieswith Israel, removed from terror list

TRUMP SEALS AGREEMENT IN CALL WITH NETANYAHU AND HAMDOK

Sudan and Israel yesterday agreed to take steps to normalise relations in a deal brokered by the US, making Khartoumthe third Arab government to set aside hostilities with Israel in the last twomonths.

US President Donald Trump sealed the agreement in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sudanese Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok and Transitional Council HeadAbdul FattahAl Burhan, senior US officials said.

“The leaders agreed to the normalisation of relations between Sudan and Israel and to end the state of belligerence between their nations,” according to a joint statement issued by the three countries.

It is a new world. We are cooperating with everyone. Building a better future for all of us.”

Trump: One of the great days in Sudan’s history

Trump invited reporters into the Oval Office while he was on the phone with the leaders of Israel and Sudan. Trump said Sudan had demonstrated a commitment to battling terrorism. “This is one of the great days in the history of Sudan,” Trump said, adding that Israel and Sudan have been in a state of war for decades.

“It is a new world,” Netanyahu said over the phone. “We are cooperating with everyone. Building a better future for all of us.”

Hamdok thanked Trump for signing the executive order to remove Sudan from the terrorism list and said that he hoped to complete the process in a “timely manner”.

Benjamin Netanyahu | Israel’s Prime Minister

Aid and investment

The deal with Sudan will include aid and investment from Israel, particularly in technology and agriculture, along with further debt relief. It comes as Sudan and its transitional government teeter on the edge. Thousands have protested in Khartoum over dire economic conditions.

Sudan’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism dates toOmar Al Bashir. Many say the designation, imposed in 1993 because Washington believed Al Bashir was supporting militant groups has become outdated since he was removed last year.

Sudan is on a fragile path to democracy. A militarycivilian government rules the country, with elections possible in late 2022.