Sudanese Leader, Saudi Crown Prince Discuss Regional Security in Jeddah

Jeddah, April 20, 2026 - Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chairman Abdel Fattah al-Burhan held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Monday, focusing on regional stability and security in the Red Sea region. The unannounced visit came amid reports that Pakistan suspended a $1.5 billion arms deal with the Sudanese army after Saudi Arabia declined to provide financial backing for the agreement. In a statement, the Sudanese Sovereign Council said the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to strengthen cooperation during discussions held at the Royal Palace. Al-Burhan expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s support and reaffirmed Sudan’s solidarity with the Kingdom in the face of security threats, while strongly condemning Iranian interference in regional affairs. He also stressed that Saudi Arabia’s security is closely linked to Sudan’s own stability, praising King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their leadership. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for his part, welcomed the Sudanese delegation and highlighted the longstanding historical ties between the two countries, expressing appreciation for Sudan’s positions on regional issues. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and continued consultation on matters affecting regional security and broader Middle East stability. Al-Burhan was accompanied by senior officials, including Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salem, General Intelligence Service Director Ahmed Ibrahim Mufadal, and Sudan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Daffallah Al-Haj Ali. Ahead of the meeting, diplomatic and security sources cited by Reuters said Pakistan had halted a planned arms and aircraft supply deal to Sudan after Saudi Arabia withdrew its intended financing and requested the agreement be terminated. According to one Pakistani security source, Riyadh had signaled that it should not proceed with funding the procurement, amid wider Western advice discouraging involvement in African proxy conflicts. Neither the Saudi government media office, the Sudanese Armed Forces, nor Pakistani military officials immediately commented on the reports.