Port Sudan, May 24, 2026 (SUNA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ambassador Mohi-Eddin Salim affirmed the depth and strength of Sudanese-Saudi relations, praising the significant role played by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Sudan, Ali bin Hassan Jaafar, during his tenure in the country. This came during his address at the ambassador’s farewell ceremony in Port Sudan, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the presence of a number of ambassadors. The Minister noted that bilateral relations between Sudan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have reached advanced stages, reflected in the ongoing arrangements to establish a Strategic Cooperation Council between the two countries as the highest level of cooperation, expressing expectations that the council’s inaugural meeting would be held following the Eid Al-Adha holiday. For his part, Ambassador Ali bin Hassan Jaafar affirmed the Kingdom’s keenness, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to stand by Sudan in recognition of its status and out of concern for its security, stability, territorial integrity, and institutions. In his remarks during the farewell ceremony, the ambassador said he had witnessed the country’s resilience in confronting challenges with firm faith in its institutions and history, praising the professionalism of Sudanese diplomacy and its ability to maintain a high level of performance under various circumstances. The ambassador also expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its staff, commending the cooperation and mutual respect he experienced, and affirming that it would remain a source of appreciation and pride.BH/BH