Sudan ‘open to joining Saudi-led coalition in Syria’

RIYADH: Sudan is open to joining the Kingdom-led military coalition of Islamic countries seeking to end the conflict in Syria.
This announcement was made by Sudanese Foreign Minister Ibrahim Gandour during a press conference in Khartoum on Monday, after Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir visited the Sudanese capital and met President Omar Al-Bashir to discuss bilateral cooperation.
“Sudan is committed to any political or military decision taken by the leadership of the alliance,” Gandour was quoted as saying.
Sudan is part of the 34-nation coalition fighting Daesh and is also participating in Northern Thunder, the ongoing military maneuver in the Kingdom that involves 20 Muslim nations.
Earlier, Al-Jubeir met the Sudanese president in Khartoum and highlighted the depth of relations between the two friendly Arab countries, foreign ministry sources said here Tuesday.
During the meeting Al-Jubeir described the bilateral relations as “distinctive and solid” stressing that the views of the two countries were identical on current issues.
The foreign minister also appreciated the Sudanese role in “Operation Decisive Storm” in Yemen, aimed at seeking to restore the legitimate government, and the 34-nation Islamic military alliance to fight terrorism.
The Kingdom is an important donor of aid to Sudan. During the meeting with the president, Al-Jubeir also discussed military aid to Sudan. The exact amount could not be confirmed.
Later, Al-Jubeir traveled to Pretoria on Monday night on an official visit to the South Africa.