Sudan’s military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has proposed establishing a free economic zone on the Red Sea coast and offered Russian investors opportunities in gold, copper and other mineral resources during talks with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday.
Burhan, chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council, also proposed Russian participation in developing Sudan’s railway infrastructure, including a planned extension of the network from Port Sudan towards Chad.
Speaking at the Kremlin, Burhan said the proposed economic zone could host Russian fuel and wheat storage facilities, citing demand for the commodities in Sudan and across Africa.
He said Sudan is prepared to attract Russian investment in infrastructure and mining, adding that his government had identified mineral deposits available for development.
“We have specific deposits that we are prepared to offer for Russian investment, including deposits of copper, gold and other metals,” Burhan said.
He added that Sudan has control over its mineral resources and is open to cooperation with Moscow.
Burhan thanked Russia for its support in international forums, particularly on issues concerning Sudan’s sovereignty, and said his government is committed to strengthening cooperation with Moscow.
Trade cooperation
Putin described Sudan as an important Russian partner in the Arab world and Africa, saying bilateral trade had more than doubled in 2025 and increased by a further 25% between January and August 2026.
He said Sudan is among Russia’s 10 largest trading partners on the African continent.
The Russian president also proposed expanding cooperation in digital technology, healthcare, education, logistics and industry, saying Moscow had prepared a roadmap outlining potential areas for joint projects.
Putin said Russia had allocated 100 state-funded university places for Sudanese students this year, with the number expected to increase to 140 next year.
The two countries are marking 70 years of diplomatic relations this year.
Sudan conflict
Putin said Russia was monitoring Sudan’s conflict, which has continued for more than three years, and acknowledged the extensive damage to the country’s economy and infrastructure.
He said the number of refugees and internally displaced people had exceeded 13 million, citing Russian estimates.
Putin said Moscow had provided humanitarian assistance, including through the United Nations World Food Programme, and continued to advocate a ceasefire and a political settlement.
He said the two leaders would discuss the conflict and possible further Russian assistance in efforts to stabilise Sudan.
The meeting took place during Burhan’s visit to Russia for the third Russia-Africa Summit.
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