Sudan reiterates Arab coordination to offset Israel's influence in Africa

Sudan on Tuesday reiterated importance of strong coordination among Arab States to prevent Israel from achieving its goals after the recent visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the Nile sources in the African continent.

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas on Tuesday arrived in Khartoum on an official three-day visit to Sudan.

He was received upon arrival at the airport by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, where the two presidents are expected to hold closed-door talks later on Tuesday.

Sudan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Obeid-Allah Mohamed Obeid-Allah reiterated Sudan's welcome of Abbas' visit to Khartoum.

"This is an important visit at a time when the Arab region is facing political and security challenges," Obeid-Allah told reporters.

"There are many issues that need coordination and cooperation between the two countries, particularly under the convocation of the Arab summit in Mauritania by the end of this month," he noted.

On whether Abbas' visit is related to the recent visit by the Israeli prime minister to a number of African countries, the Sudanese minster said "our ties take into consideration the moves of the Israeli side and its attempts to circumvent the Palestinian cause and exploit some of the ring or neighboring countries to serve the Israeli purposes."

"What is needed is a strong coordination to prevent Israel from achieving its purposes after Netanyahu's recent visit to the sources of the Nile," he added. Endit