Egypt, Switzerland discuss Sudanese crisis after increase in aid delivery

CAIRO – 28 August 2024: Deputy Foreign Minister Abou Bakr Hanafy received Tuesday Swiss Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa Sylvain Astier to discuss the Sudanese crisis.

Ambassador Hanafy reiterated the features of Egypt's stance eager for preserving Sudan's state institutions, unity, safety as well as not meddling with its internal affairs. The diplomat equally stressed the salience of enhancing the response to the humanitarian and rescue needs of the Sudanese.

The meeting mainly tackled the efforts deployed to bring peace and stability to the war-torn country, including the latest Geneva talks that focused on opening the necessary pathways to deliver humanitarian aid, and Adre Border Crossing between Sudan and Chad for that purpose, which has already happened earlier this week.

The talks that took place last week comprised, in addition to the warring parties, the United States, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the African Union, and the UN. 

Hanafy and Astier also conferred over updates pertinent to security in the Red Sea and situation in Somalia. That is in addition to the outcomes of the visit of the Somali president to Egypt earlier in August. The former highlighted Egypt's stance that also backs the unity and sovereignty of Somalia, and rejects interference with its internal affairs.  

On his side, the Swiss special envoy expressed appreciation for Egyptian efforts to maintain stability in the Horn of Africa and Red Sea, and reinstate security in Sudan.