United States Signs $1.2bn Loan Deal With Sudan

Sudan on Wednesday signed a short-term loan with the United States of $1.2bn and signed another pact to normalise relations with Israel, Africa News reported.

Justice Minister Nasredeen Abdulbari signed the deal with visiting US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, according to the prime minister’s office.

It is the first visit to Sudan by Munchin after the US removed the country from its list of “state sponsors of terrorism” last month.

“This is a very, very significant agreement,” Mnuchin said in comments carried on the state-run SUNA news agency.

“It would have a tremendous impact on the people of Israel and the people of Sudan as they continue to work together on cultural and economic opportunities and trade.”

Meanwhile, Abdulbari said he welcomed “the rapprochement that took place between Israel and the countries in the region, as well as the beginning of diplomatic relations,” which he said, “we will work, form our side in the near future, to strengthen and expand them in the interest of Sudan and in the interest of other countries in the region.”