Sudan's military leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has proposed establishing a free economic zone on the Red Sea coast during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The proposed zone could host Russian fuel and wheat storage facilities, meeting demand in Sudan and across Africa. Burhan, chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereignty Council, also offered Russian investors opportunities in gold, copper, and other mineral resources. This development aims to strengthen economic ties between Sudan and Russia.
Burhan and Putin discussed various areas of cooperation, including infrastructure development and mining. Sudan is prepared to attract Russian investment in these sectors, with identified mineral deposits available for development. Burhan emphasized that Sudan has control over its mineral resources and is open to cooperation with Moscow. He thanked Russia for its support in international forums, particularly on issues concerning Sudan's sovereignty.
The two leaders reviewed bilateral trade, which has seen significant growth in recent years. Putin described Sudan as an important Russian partner in the Arab world and Africa, with trade more than doubling in 2025 and increasing by 25% between January and August 2026. Sudan is among Russia's 10 largest trading partners on the African continent. Putin proposed expanding cooperation in digital technology, healthcare, education, logistics, and industry.
Putin outlined a roadmap for potential joint projects and announced that Russia had allocated 100 state-funded university places for Sudanese students this year, with the number expected to increase to 140 next year. The two countries are marking 70 years of diplomatic relations this year. This growing cooperation reflects the strengthening ties between Sudan and Russia.
The meeting also addressed the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has caused extensive damage to the country's economy and infrastructure. Putin said Russia was monitoring the situation and acknowledged that the number of refugees and internally displaced people had exceeded 13 million. Moscow has provided humanitarian assistance, including through the United Nations World Food Programme.
Putin and Burhan discussed possible further Russian assistance in efforts to stabilize Sudan. The Russian president advocated for a ceasefire and a political settlement to the conflict. This discussion took place during Burhan's visit to Russia for the third Russia-Africa Summit, highlighting the significance of Sudan-Russia relations.
The proposed free economic zone and mining cooperation reflect Sudan's efforts to attract foreign investment and develop its economy. With Russia's support, Sudan aims to strengthen its economic and diplomatic ties. Key areas of cooperation include infrastructure development, mining, and education, demonstrating the growing partnership between the two nations.
Key points
- Sudan's military leader proposes a free economic zone on the Red Sea coast to host Russian fuel and wheat storage facilities.
- Sudan offers Russian investors opportunities in gold, copper, and other mineral resources.
- Bilateral trade between Sudan and Russia has seen significant growth, with trade more than doubling in 2025.
