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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Chairman, colleagues, friends,

Let me welcome all of you to Russia.

I would like to thank you for deciding to come to the summit in Sochi. At the very beginning of our conversation, I would like to note that Sudan is certainly one of our long-standing reliable partners, and we appreciate this.

I know that very important internal political processes are taking place in your country. We consider the signing of the constitutional declaration, the formation of the Sovereignty Council and the establishment of a transitional government to be the first steps aimed at getting the country on the path of sustainable development. Many tasks still lie ahead. We intend to continue rendering all necessary aid and support for the normalisation of the situation.

We will continue making sure that the positions of the international community, primarily Western countries, on the Sudan problem are unbiased and based on respect for its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

We appreciate the traditional solidarity of our Sudanese partners in countering all kinds of destructive challenges at international and other venues.

Mr Chairman, we see opportunities for consolidating our trade and economic ties. We have good prospects. Our key task is to diversify commodity flows, which will guarantee stable and sustainable trade growth.

In this context, we count on the effective work of the inter-governmental commission. Its sixth meeting took place in Moscow in December 2018.

We are already carrying out major projects today, including cooperation in mining minerals and other resources. Russian companies invest in your gold mining industry. The flagship Kush project, mining three tonnes of gold per year, is being implemented by Russian company Global Resources. Our investors are interested in building up their presence and are willing to share their experience and technological developments.

Needless to say, there are issues that require special attention, but I hope we will talk about everything during today’s conversation.

Chairman of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman al-Burhan (retranslated): Peace and Allah’s blessing to you.

Mr President, first of all, I would like to thank you, to thank Russia and you personally, for this kind invitation to take part in the Russia-Africa Summit.

I thank your country, the Russian Federation. Our relations have a long history: 60 years ago they began to develop, and you have always supported Sudan, always stood by Sudan, and we always know that Russia stands together with countries that fight for their rights, for justice. We would like to tell you that the changes in Sudan are positive. They are happening in a successful and positive way. Today armed forces and coalition forces play an important role in these events, and they want to build the future of Sudan.

As you have already mentioned in your speech, our relations are developing, and these bilateral relations are based on several agreements. We hope that we will sign new documents and cooperation agreements, and you will help us, in particular, to build up our armed forces.

We have much common ground, such as, first of all, investment cooperation. We also cooperate at international forums, and share common positions on many international problems.

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