Türkiye's Ambassador to Khartoum highlighted the critical role of Turkish institutions in Sudan, reaffirming solidarity with the Sudanese people despite challenging circumstances.
"Despite these challenging and exceptional circumstances, we are making every effort to convey the message that Türkiye stands alongside Sudan with all its institutions," Fatih Yildiz told Anadolu.
The official reflected on the bilateral relationships and the ongoing activities of the Turkish Embassy in the country.
Highlighting the deep historical ties between the peoples of the two countries, he remarked: "Port Sudan is currently the de facto administrative centre of the country.”
Solidarity
“Our primary mission here is to demonstrate our solidarity with both the Sudanese government and the people," he stressed.
Drawing attention to the embassy's significance as one of the few diplomatic missions active in Port Sudan, he noted: “Our embassy encompasses a comprehensive representation, including military attaches, interior affairs, and education advisors.”
Yildiz further underscored Türkiye's efforts to strengthen its presence in various sectors in Sudan.
"We are working to enable the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and Ziraat Katilim Bank to commence operations in Port Sudan,” he pointed out, adding: “Our aim is to carefully track all pre-war initiatives and prepare both ourselves and our relations with Sudan for the post-conflict era.”
Concern over humanitarian crisis
He touched on the consistent support and goodwill extended by the Sudanese government towards Türkiye, emphasising the importance of maintaining the momentum of robust relations that existed before the war.
The Turkish ambassador also expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan.
"Approximately 13 million people have been displaced,” he noted. “There is no accurate data on the number of lives lost due to a lack of statistical records.”
“Türkiye’s presence here plays a crucial role in bringing this tragedy to greater global attention," he stated.
Efforts to 'continue'
Reiterating Ankara's solidarity with Khartoum through all its institutions and non-governmental organisations, Yildiz highlighted Türkiye's substantial humanitarian assistance.
"In the past six months, we have dispatched over 6,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid aboard two large ships to Sudan,” he indicated, affirming: “These efforts will continue unabated.”
Since April 2023, Sudan has faced violent clashes between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over military reform and integration issues.
The conflict has claimed more than 20,000 lives, displaced millions, and left over 25 million in dire need of humanitarian aid, according to the UN.
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