🎙 Opening remarks by President of Russia Vladimir Putin at a meeting with Chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of the Republic of the Sudan Abdel Fattah al-Burhan on the sidelines of the Third Russia–Africa Summit (Moscow, October 30, 2026) 💬 Vladimir Putin: First of all, thank you once again for finding the time to visit us and participate in the Russia–Africa Summit. Today, we have an opportunity to discuss our bilateral relations. 🇷🇺🇸🇩 I would like to stress that Sudan is an important partner for Russia in the Arab world and on the African continent. Earlier this year, in January, if I recall correctly, we marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Our bilateral cooperation is friendly and constructive. Despite the difficulties Sudan has faced, our relations continue to develop, including in trade and economic affairs. 📈 Russia-Sudan trade more than doubled in 2025 and grew by a further 25% in January-August 2026 – a very positive trend. Sudan ranks among Russia’s ten leading trading partners in Africa. Our bilateral intergovernmental commission is active and held a meeting in Moscow last September. Russian educational institutions are training Sudanese professionals. This year, 100 state-funded places were allocated to Sudanese citizens. Next year, the quota will increase to 140. We are, of course, closely following the situation in Sudan, where the armed conflict has continued for more than three years. We understand the difficult circumstances facing the Sudanese people. According to our information, the number of refugees and internally displaced persons has exceeded 13 million. The economy and infrastructure have suffered damage. Russia has contributed to humanitarian assistance, including through the UN World Food Programme. Russia has consistently advocated an end to hostilities and a political settlement. As we agreed, we can discuss these sensitive issues further in private and exchange views on what else Russia could do to help normalise the situation in Sudan, as well as on other pressing matters. As for prospects for cooperation in trade, the economy, industry and high technology, you and, I expect, your colleagues have seen what Russia has to offer in modern areas of cooperation, particularly digital technology, healthcare, education and logistics. 🤝 We have prepared a roadmap covering these areas, which we consider promising. I would like to give it to you and ask you to instruct your aides and members of the Sudanese Government to examine it carefully and identify the areas you consider most interesting and suitable for joint work. #RussiaSudan