Sudanese Embassy in Moscow celebrates the 70th anniversary of Sudanese-Russian relations

The Sudanese Ambassador to Russia, Mohamed Al-Ghazali Tijani Siraj, praised the long-standing relations between Khartoum and Moscow and emphasized the importance of cultural and people-to-people diplomacy in strengthening the bonds of friendship between the Sudanese and Russian peoples, who share commonalities reinforced by the will of both governments. He also highlighted the significant role played by Sudanese students who studied in Russia and integrated into its society in solidifying these relations.

In a statement carried by the Sudan News Agency (SUNA), on the occasion of the embassy’s celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of Sudanese-Russian diplomatic relations, which began today at the Foreign Literature Library in Moscow and are scheduled to continue for three days, Ambassador Siraj added that the love of the Sudanese and Russian peoples for their homelands is what has preserved their sovereignty and territorial integrity against external ambitions seeking to undermine them, in addition to maintaining the strong ties between them for seventy years.

Ambassador Al-Ghazali said that the strength of these relations was embodied in Russia’s support for Sudan when it faced existential challenges as a result of the war waged by the rebel militia, which targeted its sovereignty, territorial integrity, civilization, and intellectual and material heritage. He pointed out that Russia was among the first countries to declare its clear position of supporting Sudan, in addition to its role in uncovering and excavating Sudanese civilization. He also noted that Russia is making efforts to recover stolen cultural artifacts and restore what was damaged and destroyed by the Rapid Support Forces militia.

The ambassador added that the Sudanese Cultural Days program in Moscow includes a number of cultural and historical events highlighting Sudan’s rich civilization, its unique and diverse heritage, and its long-standing ties with Russia. This will be achieved through a photo and art exhibition entitled “Sudan Through Russian Eyes,” featuring photographs and artwork by Russian artists who have visited Sudan, as well as archival photographs, materials, and folkloric handicrafts showcasing the richness and diversity of Sudan’s cultural heritage, which dates back thousands of years. The program also includes workshops, folk art performances, traditional costumes, and Sudanese cuisine, introducing Russian audiences to the diverse and rich culture and heritage of Sudan’s various tribes.

Ambassador Al-Ghazali pointed out that the event also includes holding a conference on the history and culture of Sudan and the contemporary reality in dialogue with Russia, with the participation of a distinguished elite of Russian scholars specializing in Sudanese affairs and a number of members of the Sudanese community in Russia. It represents an opportunity for discussion and ways to enhance their scientific, academic and cultural relations. He said that the event will conclude on June 10 with an official presence from the Russian Foreign Ministry, other government institutions, representation from the Russian Parliament, the diplomatic corps, the Sudanese community and Russian friends of Sudan.