Local Affairs
Sudanese - Romanian Relations
1. Sudan is the first sub–Saharan African country and the second country in Africa at large to establish diplomatic relations with Romania. The agreement establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries was signed on January 17th, 1956, only 16 days after the Independence of the Sudan.
2. Since the 1970s – following the exchange of resident diplomatic representation - the relations between the two countries covered a wide spectrum of political, economic, commercial, cultural and other aspects.
As example, during the '70s, the current building of the Sudan Parliament was built as a gift from the romanian people.
3. During the nineties of the last century the two countries were engaged in re-arranging their domestic and external affairs. After then positive developments in the two countries, have paved the way for revitalizing the bilateral relations to reap the fruits of a half – century of stable diplomatic relations.
4. Recently, Sudan has been able to achieve many economic objectives such as: oil exportation (as from August 1999), downsizing inflation rate to one digit, stabilization of the exchange rate of the Sudanese Dinnar against foreign currencies and even appreciation against the US dollar, achieving an annual growth rate above 8% in 2005 and thus Sudan became one of the most attractive countries in Africa and the Arab world for foreign investments.
5. These economic developments fortunately, supported by the peace agreements in south and Darfur, have enhanced the political, economic and social environments in the Sudan.
6. In 2004, Sudan Minister of Energy and Mining paid an important visit to Romania, to invite the Romanian oil companies to join hands and have a share in the Sudanese booming oil industry.
7. The trade balance between the two countries, as an indicator of economic relations, has witnessed a four folds rise in 2005 to touch USD 11.67 million against the previous year, mostly in favor of Romania.
8. The main exported groups of Romanian products to Sudan include base metals and articles, wooden products, furniture, chemical and plastic products. On the other hand the main exported Sudanese goods include textile and leather products, agricultural and food products.
9. Recently Sudan participated, officially, in Bucharest International Fair for consumer goods which was held in Bucharest late June 2006, and, on reciprocal basis, an invitation has been extended to the Romanian concerned authorities to participate in the International Fair of Khartoum which is to be held in Sudan during the period 24th of January – 2nd of February 2007.
10. An expected visit of the Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs to Romania might give further push to the friendly relations between the two countries.