Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Sudan’s Interior Minister Lieutenant General (Police) Babiker Samra Mustafa Ali on Friday discussed avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation between their countries.

Lt Gen Ali called on CDF Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi during his visit to Pakistan, according to a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

“During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, evolving regional and global security dynamics and avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation were discussed,” the statement said.

“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening relations between the two countries, particularly in the fields of security, counterterrorism and institutional cooperation.”

The visiting dignitary “appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability and acknowledged the longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and Sudan”, according to ISPR.

CDF Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to “further deepen bilateral engagement with Sudan and underscored the importance of close cooperation in addressing shared security challenges”.

Earlier in the day, Ali called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

DPM Dar “reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity”, the Foreign Office said.

He underscored the importance Pakistan attached to its relations with Sudan and its commitment to further strengthening the brotherly ties between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the Sudanese minister expressed his “appreciation for Pakistan’s support and continued solidarity with Sudan”.

“He highlighted the strength of brotherly relations between the two nations and underscored Sudan’s desire to further deepen cooperation across areas of mutual interest.”

Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry also attended the meeting.

Meeting with PM Shehbaz

On Thursday, a delegation led by Lt Gen Ali had met PM Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House.

The premier affirmed that Pakistan attaches “great importance to its longstanding and fraternal relations” with Khartoum, the PM’s Office (PMO) said.

“We want Sudan to emerge from its current crisis as a peaceful, stable, and prosperous country,” he was quoted as saying, expressing Pakistan’s desire to strengthen trade and investment ties with the North African country.

“There are vast opportunities for bilateral cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, defence, education, and others,” the prime minister added.

The Sudanese minister expressed gratitude to the premier for the humanitarian and medical assistance provided by the Pakistani government and people during difficult times, according to PMO.

He also commended Pakistan’s support on international forums regarding efforts to restore peace and security in Sudan.

Sudan remains the ​world’s largest displacement crisis more than three years after war broke out in 2023, when the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces clashed over issues including how to ​integrate their forces in a planned transition to civilian rule.

Around 8.6 million ​people remain displaced within the country, while more than 4.6m have fled across borders. ‌More ⁠than 5.2m people have also returned to their areas of origin, often finding homes, infrastructure and basic services destroyed.