Turkey’s Ambassador to Khartoum highlights the critical role of Turkish institutions in Sudan.
Turkey’s Ambassador to Khartoum emphasized the critical role of Turkish institutions in Sudan, highlighting their solidarity with the Sudanese people despite challenging circumstances.
In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Fatih Yıldız stated, “Despite these challenging and extraordinary conditions, we are making every effort to convey the message that Turkey stands by Sudan with all its institutions.”
He discussed bilateral relations and the ongoing activities of the Turkish Embassy in Sudan.
Highlighting the deep historical ties between the peoples of the two countries, he said, “Port Sudan is currently the de facto administrative center of the country.”
Solidarity
“Our main mission here is to demonstrate our solidarity with both the Sudanese government and its people,” he stressed.
Noting the importance of the embassy as one of the few diplomatic missions operating in Port Sudan, he added, “Our embassy includes comprehensive representation, including military attachés, interior affairs, and educational advisors.”
Yıldız underlined Turkey’s efforts to strengthen its presence in Sudan across various sectors.
“We are working to ensure that the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and Ziraat Katılım Bankası become operational in Port Sudan,” he said. “Our aim is to carefully monitor all pre-war initiatives and prepare ourselves and our relations with Sudan for the post-conflict period.”
Concerns Over Humanitarian Crisis
He acknowledged the consistent support extended to Turkey by the Sudanese government and stressed the importance of maintaining the momentum of strong relations established before the war.
The Turkish ambassador also expressed deep concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
“Approximately 13 million people have been displaced,” he said. “Due to a lack of statistical records, there is no precise data on the number of lives lost.”
“Turkey’s presence here plays a significant role in bringing this tragedy to the global agenda,” he noted.
Efforts to ‘Continue’
Yıldız reiterated Ankara’s solidarity with Khartoum through all its institutions and civil society organizations, drawing attention to Turkey’s significant humanitarian contributions.
“Over the past six months, we have sent more than 6,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Sudan via two large ships,” he said. “These efforts will continue uninterrupted.”
Since April 2023, Sudan has witnessed intense clashes between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over military reform and integration issues.
According to the United Nations, the conflict has claimed over 20,000 lives, displaced millions, and left more than 25 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
