Sudan finalizes joint military program with Russia

By Mohammed Amin

KHARTOUM (AA) - Sudanese President Omer Al-Bashir on Thursday said a joint military program has been finalized with Russia to improve the capabilities of the Sudanese national army.

Addressing the army officers in the city of Port Sudan, Bashir said the program will help Sudanese military deter any violations against the country.

He further stressed that Sudan is ready to defend its border specially its territorial waters on the Red Sea. “Sudanese army is ready to protect the security of the Red Sea”.

“A program was set with Russia to develop the Armed Forces to deter all those targeting the nation and its capabilities,” he emphasized.

He also explained that the Sudanese army is capable to protect the Sudanese airspace from conspirators, without giving more details.

Sudan has closed its border with Eritrea last January, saying that it faced security threats from its eastern border amid tension on the border with Egypt as well.

Last December, Sudan signed a military agreement with Turkey to fight terrorism, protect the Red Sea and maintain military vessels.

During his visit to Russia last November, Bashir has asked the Russian President Vladimir Putin to protect his country from the threats of the U.S., calling on Russia to develop the Sudanese army and build military base on the Red Sea.