Khartoum, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 13 March 2018

Your Excellency, H.E. the Undersecretary Abdul Ghani al-Naim

Your Excellency, Director of SNCCT, Dr. Mohamed Gamal

Dear Ambassadors and representatives,

Dear Director of FIIAPP, Pedro Flores Urbano,

Dear representatives of the Project Management Unit of the Regional “Law Enforcement in the Greater Horn of Africa and Yemen”,

Dear guests,

I am glad to be here today to witness the present ceremony. It comes at a timely moment, as we are all confronted to the challenges of terrorism and violent extremism. The defeat of Islamic State Iraq and Syria (ISIS) will not mean that the risk is diminishing, particularly in the Horn of Africa as well as in Yemen.

We are appreciating the role Sudan is playing in the region. We, together with our Member states, are ready to continue to discuss with the Sudanese authorities on all regional issues. And we are ready to accompany Sudan on the way of the lifting of the remaining sanctions.

As you know, the European Council approved in 2014 the EU Strategic Action Plan for the Greater Horn of Africa and Yemen. This project is the result of the work done on this basis.

The Action Plan seeks to achieve four objectives:

1. Strengthen the respect for the rule of law and human rights in counterterrorism efforts both within national and regional strategies and institutions; By promoting the rule of law, the EU wants to convey a clear message consistent with its civilian approach of the fight against terrorist threats.

2. Increase law enforcement cooperation; by enhancing abilities of law enforcement agencies but also judicial institutions to cooperate with their counterparts and neighbors in the region, on matters of extradition and mutual legal assistance for example.

3. Support capacity building measures to address conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism and foster societal resilience against incitement, recruitment and violent radicalization;

4. Raise awareness of the need and strengthen the institutional capacities in relation to anti-money laundering and countering terrorist financing.

The European Commission through its Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace, has decided to fund the “Regional Law Enforcement in the Greater Horn of Africa and Yemen” that covers 8 countries of the Greater Horn of Africa, and amongst them Sudan, plus the Yemen.

The EU in close collaboration, coordination and cooperation with its Member States is fully committed to this Project. We are convinced that this will pave the way to enhance cooperation with Sudanese authorities in the common fight against global security threats.

Furthermore, it is important that this project has a regional dimension. The EU wants to enhance the co-operation with the whole Region but also wants to encourage and facilitate the co-operation within the Region of the Greater Horn of Africa and Yemen.

The European Commission has designated FIIAPP to implement this ambitious project. We sincerely hope that this signature today represents a step forward in an enhanced mutual understanding between the EU and Sudan.

I would like to re-assure the support and commitment of the EU delegation to FIIAPP and SNCCT engaged in this difficult endeavor and extend our support to all partners committed to the successful achievement of this Project. We know how difficult this task is. I wish to all of you the best for the next two years ahead.