Khartoum- Russia has expressed interest in carrying out joint investment projects with Sudan based on mutual interest, and in improving economic and trade relations between the two countries.

According to official Sudanese websites, Russia’s TASS news agency quoted Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying that he is keen on implementing joint investment projects with Sudan.

Lavrov made his remarks during talks with the deputy chairman of the higher committee for Sudan relations with China, India and Russia, Awad Ahmed Al-Jaz, in Moscow.

“We are interested in promoting overall economic and trade relations (with Sudan) and implementing mutually beneficial projects,” TASS quoted Lavrov as saying.

He said Russia continued to urge the international community to deal justly with the Sudanese issues, adding “we managed to reach an international agenda towards Sudan that is based on the established principles of international law, the principle of respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of the country.”

For his part, Al-Jaz stressed to keep contacts between Russia and Sudan, saying they lie in the interest of both countries and peoples.

He thanked Russia for its continued support to Sudan in the international forums, pledging to create exemplary Sudanese-Russian relations.

Al-Jaz has been holding meetings with Russian officials for the past three days. The talks focus on economic cooperation and debt relief.

Sudanese officials have also expressed interest in consolidating military and technical cooperation with Moscow. Khartoum considers Russia its top military partner because it uses Russian-made military and civilian planes.