WHEN I saw the large Sudanese delegation standing in line to offer condolences on the death of Prince Muhammad Al-Faisal, I recalled many memories. In 2002, I visited Khartoum as a journalist with the prince and his son, Eng. Amr, to attend the board meetings of Faisal Islamic Bank. I was struck by the generous hospitality they gave us and the popularity of King Faisal and his brothers and sons. During a national festival, the prince, who led the Arab investments in Sudan, and whose bank financed numerous development projects, was called to the theater to give a speech. His appearance alone brought a strong response from the masses. And when he announced at the end of his speech: I am an Arab, Saudi Arabia is my homeland, and Sudan is my heartland, the audience exploded with applause and chants. His heartfelt sentiments and words echoed by people long after that day. I told him at the time: I saw in you your father, King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz, and I am sure they show him the same and more of love and appreciation during his visits to Sudan in 1966-1967, and to his brother, King Khaled, when he visited them in 1976. On occasions like these, we celebrate our unity, devotion and brotherhood. The bridge between the two sides of the Red Sea is always strengthened by these memorable visits. I remembered our bond when the Sudanese army took part with the Gulf armies in the Arab Alliance liberating Yemen, and again with the Islamic Military Alliance to Fight Terrorism (IMAFT). I also remembered those ties when Khartoum severed relations with Iran after the attacks on our diplomatic missions, and as they ended their military and security agreements with the Farsi nation, and closed the so-called "Khomeini Cultural Centers," expelling preachers of hate and sectarian strife. I also remembered Qatar's support of Sudanese peace and reconstruction efforts which culminated in the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur, 2015, and recalled the recent success of King Salman's efforts to partially lift US economic sanctions on Sudan — applied since 1998. Our appreciation of Sudan's new stands and approaches manifested itself in our political and economic support as well as military, security and educational cooperation. Add to that the various private and public Gulf investments in the "Land of the Two Niles." Not to mention that we are hosting millions of Sudanese, who work, live, study and invest in the GCC countries. This comes as a continuation of the historical connection between the two shores of the Red Sea. I would point out here the recommendations of the Saudi-Sudanese Investment Forum, held in Riyadh, 2014. They called for the Sudanese government to provide agricultural land and water sources, and for the Saudis to provide capital for building infrastructure for agricultural projects and livestock production. It is worth mentioning that Sudan has 200 million acres of arable lands with estimated fisheries of 100 thousand tons of internal traps and 10 thousand tons of marine. In addition, Sudan has more than 100 million heads of cattle and 45 million of poultry. Most importantly, Sudan has diverse water resources from permanent and seasonal rivers, in addition to groundwater and heavy rain. This is a natural treasure most Arab countries lack. During the Riyadh Forum, Sudan promoted 356 investment projects at an estimated cost of $30 billion, including 117 projects in the agricultural sector, an area of eight million acres, provided with full public utilities and services; 76 projects in the industrial sector; 147 projects in the economic sector; and 16 projects in oil and minerals sectors. More recently, a Sudanese government delegation led by Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid, assistant of the president, visited Doha, Qatar, to demonstrate to Qatari businessmen the improving investment climate in Sudan. In Qatar Chamber, Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Sadiq, the Sudanese minister of minerals, pointed out that his country is rich in natural resources and raw minerals such as gold, zinc and copper. There are 351 mining companies in 12 stats, including 52 foreign companies. Qatari companies alone are investing in 60 projects, in various sectors, including industrial, agricultural, service, real estate and mining, with a capital of $1.7 billion. Having reported that, I should also warn that Sudan needs a major overhaul of its business environment. Its inefficient bureaucratic system, slow judicial institutions and government corruption are depressing current investors and frightening off potential investors. More should be done to improve the country's infrastructure and superstructure, including transportation, communication, financial institutions and road/rail/river/sea networks. Welcome Sudan to the Arab camp. It has been two decades since we were this close. Now we can announce that the bridge across the Red Sea is about to be built! Our Sudan is back! — Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi is a Saudi writer based in Jeddah. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him at Twitter:@kbatarfi
