World Bank chief undertakes first visit to Sudan in 40 years
Khartoum, Sudan (PANA) - The President of the World Bank, David Malpass, arrived in Khartoum on Wednesday evening, the first by a head of the bank in 40 years, where he has already met with the Sudanese Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdouk.
"This visit is an important step in the full restoration of our relations with international monetary institutions and a vital move in liquidation of our debts," the Minister for Finance, Dr Djibril Ibrahim said.
During his two-day visit to the Sudan, the World Bank Group President will engage in a series of meetings with senior finance and political affairs officials in Khartoum.
"I am pleased to have just arrived in Khartoum. The World Bank is eager to support Sudan’s efforts to reduce poverty, boost economic growth and improve livelihoods for all Sudanese people," Malpass tweeted on his official account.
The WB official chief later on Thursday call on the head of the collective presidency, the Transitional Sovereign Council, Lt. Gen. Abdul Fatah Al Burhan.
“We will discuss a number of issues that will center on how we could make the best possible use of the World Bank assistance," Dr Djibril was quoted by the official Sudan News Agency (SUNA) as saying.
In a statement issued on the occasion of the visit, the world Bank said it reaffirms the Group’s commitment to helping Sudan achieve better development outcomes for all of its people.
“This is the first high-level visit by a World Bank official since Sudan reached the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) decision point in June 2021, which is an important milestone that will enable Sudan to clear nearly all of its estimated $50 billion in external debt," the WB stressed.
“We are eager to work with Sudan as it reengages with the international community,” added the President Malpass.
He said over the next year, the WB will commit about $2 billion in grants to support the government’s efforts to reduce poverty and boost economic growth.
“We are looking forward to further scaling up our engagement to improve the living conditions of the Sudanese people," he stressed.
During his, Mr. Malpass will also have the opportunity to assess the progress of World Bank-supported activities, including the Sudan Family Support Programme (Thamarat) and COVID-19 vaccination purchase and deployment.
-0- PANA MO/MA 30Sept2021
