Sudan denies existence of alliance with Iran

Sudan's Foreign Minister Ali Karti Sunday said his country has never been an ally to Iran.

He noted that promoting the existence of an alliance between Khartoum and Tehran is a fabrication.

"Sudan has never at any time been an ally of Iran. There were normal ties between Sudan and Iran as Islamic countries. The rumored existence of an alliance with Iran has been corrected," Karti told reporters Sunday upon returning from Sudan's delegation in the Sharm el-Sheikh summit.

"Relations with Iran were normal, however when some Iranian cultural centers deviated off-course, they were dealt with and closed," noted Karti.

Meanwhile, Karti regarded Sudan's participation in operation Decisive Storm against Houthis in Yemen as evidence of Sudan's pioneering role among Arab nations.

"Sudan's participation in operation Decisive Storm emanates from its keenness on Arab and regional security, achieving stability in Yemen and restoring President Abd Rabbou Mansour Hadi's legitimacy," he said.

He stressed that forming a joint Arab military force was the most important outcome of the Arab summit, hosted by Egypt Saturday, noting that "joint Arab military power is to confront challenges facing Arab nations and combat terrorism."

Meanwhile, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir returned to Khartoum Sunday after visiting Saudi Arabia followed by Egypt where he headed Sudan's delegation to the Arab summit in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Thousands of the Sudanese president's supporters gathered at Khartoum airport to welcome him carrying banners in support of Khartoum's decision to participate in operation Decisive Storm.

Saudi Arabia announced the launch of the operation in Yemen Thursday, with over 10 countries, including Sudan, joining the coalition. Endit