TOKYO, June 9, 2026 (SUNA) — Sudan’s Ambassador to Japan, Ambassador Al-Rayah Haidoub, met on Tuesday with Head of the African Development Bank (AfDB) External Representation Office for Asia in Tokyo, Mr. Osamu Kawanishi. The meeting was attended by Sudan’s Deputy Head of Mission, Counselor Ali Mohamed Ahmed Osman, and the Deputy Head of the Bank’s office, Mr. Naoshige Kinoshita. Ambassador Haidoub expressed Sudan’s deep appreciation for the pioneering role played by the African Development Bank in advancing development across the African continent, commending in particular the Bank’s vital development projects in Sudan. In this regard, the Ambassador conveyed Sudan’s sincere gratitude to the Bank and donor countries, especially Japan, for their continued support to Sudan. He also pointed to the improving stability in the country and the large-scale return of citizens to their areas following the liberation of most parts of Sudan from the terrorist militia. The Ambassador further underscored the importance of launching smart and sustainable projects during Sudan’s reconstruction phase, particularly in the fields of solar energy and poverty-alleviation microprojects targeting vulnerable families, including vegetable and fruit dehydration initiatives. He stressed the need to establish a tripartite partnership bringing together Sudan, the African Development Bank, and the Japanese government, while also calling on the Bank to formulate a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Sudan inspired by Japan’s pioneering post-war reconstruction experience. For his part, Mr. Kawanishi expressed appreciation for the Ambassador’s visit and his remarks reflecting Sudan’s recognition of the Bank’s developmental role in Africa. He reaffirmed the strong partnership between the Bank and Sudan, noting the resumption of the Bank’s operations in the country and the agreement to finance an ambitious package of agricultural projects. Last week, the African Development Bank signed an agreement with the Government of Sudan to finance agricultural projects in Sennar and Blue Nile states at a total value of US$87 million.BH/BH