IDEX is an important platform to exchange knowledge

Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Beshir has said the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2017 is based on advanced ideas as a first-grade investment and tourism project, seen as an excellent forum for visitors to exchange knowledge and experience.

He added that the Arab region would benefit from the successful integration of its military industries, and noted that the region faces various threats, which should be met with proper military preparations using the latest technological developments.

In his interview with Arab local daily, Al-Ittihad newspaper, published on Wednesday, President al-Beshir highlighted the similarities in the political views of the UAE and Sudan, and referred to the strength of bilateral relations between both countries in the political and economic fields.

He also expressed his admiration about the UAE’s current development, led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Sudanese President expressed his aspirations to further strengthen bilateral relations between both countries and to co-operate in overcoming several issues, including current crises in Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Libya.

During his meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, President al-Beshir said all their past encounters have been positive and were aimed at achieving the best for both countries, as well as for Arab and Islamic peoples. The ties between both countries are also historic, and were established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and former the late Sudanese President Jaafar Mohammed Numeiri, he added.

Al Beshir recalled his opportunity to serve in the UAE Armed Forces more than 40 years ago, during the era of its nation-building, as well as the strong relations between both countries since that period.

He described the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as a wise Arab leader, citing his clear vision on regional and international issues.

President al-Beshir also said that the main issues that would be discussed by Arab leaders in the upcoming summit, include the Palestinian issue after the election of the new US President, as well as the turmoil in Syria, Yemen, Libya and Iraq, and the urgent need to fight terrorism. He also referred to relations with Iran and the need to contain the Iranian expansion in the region.