Egypt confirms full respect of Sudan’s sovereignty

CAIRO – 23 May 2017: Egypt respects the sovereignty and integrity of the Sudanese territory, denying claims of intervening in any country’s internal issues, according to the foreign ministry’s spokesperson, Ahmed Abu Zeid.

The statement comes in response to Sudanese media reports that accused the Egyptian government of backing Sudanese opposition fighting national troops in Darfur in south Sudan. Sudanese troops are fighting rebels in three conflict regions - Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan.

“Egypt’s foreign policy is not to disturb the peace and security of any country and not to intervene in any internal issues of any country," Abu Zeid said.

He stressed that Egypt respects international law and the principles of good neighborliness, especially when dealing with its brother countries such as Sudan. He further added that Egypt has been the main supporter of Sudan’s unity, expressing his sorrow for such claims.

Abu Zeid pointed out that Egypt’s diplomacy has defended Sudan over the past 15 years against foreign interference and attempts to impose sanctions on Sudanese officials.

Egypt also participated in all peace negotiations held between the Sudanese government and the Darfur rebel movements.

The two countries have recently been experiencing tension over sovereignty issues, namely the Halayeb Triangle area, which comprises three cities under Egyptian control.
Sudanese president Omar Al-Bashir claimed that Egypt occupied the triangle of Halayeb when Sudan was busy fighting rebellions in the south of Sudan.