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The head of Sudan's Transitional Sovereignty Council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has publicly thanked Türkiye for its unwavering support during his country's protracted internal conflict, characterizing the bilateral relationship as a model of strategic partnership. Speaking at the Sudanese Embassy in Ankara on Saturday, Burhan emphasized that Türkiye had stood by Sudan "without hypocrisy or pretense" throughout its crisis.

Praise for Turkish Leadership and Solidarity

Burhan specifically highlighted the role of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, noting that the international community observed his statements on Sudan with respect. "The world followed President Erdogan’s statements regarding Sudan with respect," Burhan said, adding that Erdogan made more than three supportive statements in a single week, which "reflects Sudan’s importance to Türkiye." He described the centuries-old ties between the two nations as "historic and fraternal," asserting that the current hardships have proven the solidity of this bond.

Commitment to Humanitarian Cooperation

On practical cooperation, the Sudanese leader pledged to facilitate the work of the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) in delivering critical humanitarian aid within Sudan. "With regard to health cooperation, we thank the Turkish Red Crescent for its support, and we will do what is necessary to facilitate their work," Burhan stated, offering to provide necessary warehouses for aid storage. This commitment follows a meeting between Burhan and President Erdogan at the Presidential Complex in Ankara last Thursday, where they discussed bilateral relations and regional developments.

Call for Enhanced Turkish Role in Mediation

Looking toward conflict resolution, Burhan expressed a desire for Türkiye to have a more formal role in international peace efforts. He stated his willingness to see Türkiye included in the "Quad" mechanism—a group currently consisting of the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates that aims to support peace and stability in Sudan. The Quad had previously proposed a plan for a humanitarian ceasefire and a transitional process. Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, resulting in thousands of deaths and millions displaced.