Moscow's technical expertise and readiness to help make it a key partner for post-conflict recovery, Al-Muatasim Ibrahim has told RT

Sudan views Russia as one of its "top options" for restoring war-damaged energy infrastructure, Energy and Oil Minister Al-Muatasim Ibrahim has said.

Speaking to RT at the Russian Energy Week forum in Moscow, the minister cited Moscow's "expertise and industry acumen" as key factors behind Khartoum's interest in close cooperation.

Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal conflict since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The country's electricity and oil sectors have suffered significant damage, according to Ibrahim, and the government is seeking reconstruction partnerships.

Ibrahim, as quoted by TASS, explained that despite the conflict the country continues to produce oil and plans to increase production "with the support and investment of friends like Russia."

The minister also pointed out that Sudan is counting on Russia's technological assistance in developing hydropower and added that the country is "considering the possibility of cooperation with Russia in the peaceful use of nuclear energy."

In an interview with African Initiative, Ibrahim announced that the country plans to boost oil production from 30,000 barrels per day to 200,000.

On Thursday, Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev held talks with a Sudanese delegation on potential hydropower initiatives after which he expressed readiness to explore proposals from Khartoum. 

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The parties discussed the technical aspects of potential cooperation, including plans to establish a long-term order for power equipment and to develop mechanisms for mutually beneficial partnerships between companies from the two countries. The issue of personnel training was also on the agenda, with the Sudanese delegation confirming its interest in joint initiatives in the education sector, the ministry said in a statement.