Participation of the Foreign Minister and meetings with international officials Antalya Forum… Strengthening External Pr| Sudanow Magazine

A clear shift toward diplomatic openness and restoring regional and international roles.

A major opportunity to convey the official narrative to the outside world.

Salem: Africa’s resources fuel conflicts, and Sudan’s war is a model.

(Sudanow)

In a move reflecting Sudan’s efforts to strengthen its external presence, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Mohi El-Din Salem, participated in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, hosted in Antalya, Republic of Turkey. The forum witnessed broad participation from world leaders, decision-makers, and diplomats from across the globe.

This participation comes within the framework of Sudan’s orientation toward intensifying engagement in regional and international platforms, informing the international and regional community of political and security developments on its territory, and presenting its perspectives on various issues of common interest in a way that enhances its presence, supports efforts to achieve peace and stability, and opens wider horizons for international cooperation across multiple sectors.

The Forum

The Antalya Diplomacy Forum is considered one of the most prominent global platforms for political and diplomatic dialogue. Launched by Turkey in 2021, it serves as an open space for exchanging views on contemporary global issues, including international conflicts, development, security, and economic cooperation.

Each year, the forum brings together an elite group of heads of state, government officials, foreign ministers, academics, and experts, making it an influential platform for shaping ideas and promoting understanding among key international actors.

A Comprehensive Vision

During his participation in a high-level session titled “Investing in Africa’s Future: Strategy, Scale, and Competitiveness,” Sudan presented a comprehensive vision on investment in the African continent.

The minister emphasized that Africa, despite its rich natural resources, suffers from a striking paradox: these resources often become a driver of conflict rather than development. He noted that the war in Sudan represents a clear example of the consequences of competition over resources.

Salem stressed that attracting investment alone is insufficient; it must be accompanied by ensuring benefits reach local communities, alongside adopting balanced development policies that consider environmental dimensions—especially given the environmental degradation affecting resource-rich areas.

He also highlighted the importance of regional integration in Africa through developing shared value chains and coordinating investment policies to enhance African countries’ negotiating power in facing global economic challenges. He called for mobilizing private capital and strengthening the role of regional and international financial institutions.

The minister further outlined promising investment opportunities in Sudan, particularly its strategic location on the Red Sea, affirming that the country remains open to investment despite ongoing challenges, supported by national will for reconstruction.

He concluded by stressing that transforming Africa’s resources into a driver of development requires fair partnerships, strengthened national sovereignty, and integrated regional efforts.

Addressing Root Causes of the Crisis

Developments in Sudan featured prominently during the minister’s meeting with the European Union’s Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber.

The minister outlined the government’s vision for a comprehensive solution based on a ceasefire, protection of civilians, and restoration of state institutions, while emphasizing respect for Sudan’s sovereignty and unity.

He also underscored the need to address the root causes of the crisis, particularly external interference and the influx of foreign fighters.

For her part, the European official affirmed the EU’s support for de-escalation efforts and pushing toward a humanitarian truce as a step toward a comprehensive ceasefire. Both sides agreed on the importance of coordinating international initiatives and strengthening UN-led tracks to help achieve stability in Sudan and the Horn of Africa.

Intensive Meetings

On the sidelines of the forum, Minister Salem held a series of meetings, including with the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Mohamed Abdi Ware. The two sides discussed developments in Sudan and their regional implications.

The minister stressed the importance of improving the humanitarian situation and ensuring the delivery of aid, while emphasizing the need to address security challenges, particularly the spread of mercenaries and external interference. He also welcomed a proposal to open a temporary IGAD office in Khartoum, a step that would strengthen the organization’s field presence.

In another meeting, the minister met with his Austrian counterpart to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and coordinate positions on regional issues. He noted a relative improvement in conditions in Sudan and a gradual return to normal life.

The Austrian minister expressed her country’s humanitarian support and readiness to increase contributions, as well as to host Sudanese dialogue rounds in Vienna—an offer welcomed by the Sudanese side.

Gains

Observers agree that Sudan’s participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum carries multiple strategic dimensions. It represents an attempt to reposition the country on the international stage after a period of relative isolation caused by the war.

The forum provides an opportunity to break diplomatic isolation and convey Sudan’s official narrative to the international community, particularly regarding the nature and complexity of the crisis.

Bilateral meetings also enhance prospects for building new alliances and attracting political and economic support, especially in reconstruction and investment.

Moreover, the forum serves as a platform to reintroduce Sudan as an investment destination, leveraging its geographic location and natural resources despite security challenges.

It also contributes to coordinating positions with international and regional actors, supporting the political solution process, and reducing competing initiatives.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Sudan’s participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum reflects a clear orientation toward diplomatic openness and the restoration of its regional and international role, through a combination of presence in global platforms and intensified bilateral engagement.

However, the success of this participation ultimately depends on Sudan’s ability to translate these diplomatic efforts into tangible results on the ground—particularly in ending the war, halting destruction, and achieving peace and stability.

Current Affairs

Participation of the Foreign Minister and meetings with international officials Antalya Forum… Strengthening External Pr

Sudanese Certificate Exams An Unbreakable Will, A Relentless Determination

African Union Delegation Meets Foreign Minister Mohi El-Din Salem in Khartoum Toward Lifting the Suspension…