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2013-03-01

Sudan Defense Minister: The UAE has contributed significantly to regional stability

By: Major Youssef Juma Al Haddad

‏The International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) today is one of the largest defense and security exhibitions in the Middle East and North Africa, according to the Sudanese Defense Minister, General Abdel-Rahim Mohamed Hussein.

‏‏‏In an exclusive interview to the Nation Shield journal, Sudanese Defense Minister, General Abdel-Rahim Mohamed Hussein said that the IDEX, represented a window for Sudan and other countries to see the latest developments in the defense sector and the most advanced technologies at the global level. His Excellency pointed out that IDEX is distinguished from other exhibitions by excellent organization, broad participation, and large space, not to mention the competition among corporate exhibitors to present the best and state-of-the-art military equipment and technology. The minister emphasized that Sudan has participated with a large delegation of officials with the aim of supporting, promoting and marketing Sudanese defense products. Excerpts:

‏What is the objective of Sudan’s participation in IDEX 2013?

‏The key objective of participation in IDEX is to introduce Sudanese defense industries and highlight that sector as a fundamental part of the development of the Sudanese economy. Sudan has already exceeded the import threshold for certain weapons and has become both a manufacturing and exporting country. Sudan has long waited for this day to occupy its position in defense exhibitions in Africa and the Arab world, and to introduce itself to the world as a manufacturer of defense equipment.

‏As for the participation in IDEX, it is well-known that we have constantly participated in IDEX as visitors for years. IDEX has always represented a window for Sudan and many countries in the region and the world to see defense industries and advanced technologies. We believe that the UAE is providing a service to the whole world with this exhibition which is one of the biggest world exhibitions and is characterized by the fact that it is an expo that keeps up with the latest defense equipment in the world.

‏We have participated for the first time as exhibitors and introduced Sudanese defense products covering various domains, which is a quantum leap forward. It is a great honor for us to be one of the exhibitors of military industrialization. I believe that the UAE has given us, with this great exhibition, an opportunity to display our defense industry capabilities to the world.

‏You have frequently participated in world exhibitions. How do you evaluate IDEX, and what distinguishes it from other exhibitions?

‏IDEX is at the apex in the pyramid of military exhibitions and is characterized by many features, the first being the great support extended to it by the UAE. The second is the large and broad participation of major international military companies in the field of military defense industries and the third is the significant number of exhibitors and visitors. The fourth is the excellent organization of all constituents of the exhibition. This is the result of the acquired experience of the UAE people in the management of such international exhibitions. In view of its extensive global relations, the UAE has managed to be an example even for industrialized countries in IDEX.

‏Participation has not been made only by exhibitors, but also by visitors. A large number of countries participate in IDEX, which - compared to the Arab world - is the only exhibition that offers such service on this scale, and I think that all countries are today keen to participate in this World Expo, from China to America to European countries. The exhibition is an opportunity for the military and specialistsin the field of defense to see the latest world technologies, and therefore IDEX is a pride for all of us.

‏What is the importance of Sudan’s participation in IDEX, and how do you aim to expand your defense industry?

‏For us, this participation is of particular significance, because it is the first time the defense market witnessed Sudanese military and defense products. We have been pleased with the great interest shown by most countries in our industries, particularly because IDEX is a place for promotion of defense industries and is considered one of the biggest centers in this vital domain. The UAE is providing a service for all in a more general and comprehensive way and through an active and efficient participation, and may lead to the indigenization of defense industry in the Arab world. We have participated in this exhibition with a large delegation of Sudanese officials with the aim of supporting, enhancement and marketing of Sudan’s defense industries.

‏In addition to IDEX, let us discuss UAE-Sudan cooperation: Are you satisfied with the volume of this cooperation, and what are the future plans to develop it?

‏Cooperation between the UAE and the Republic of Sudan is an old story that began a very long time ago thanks to the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah rest his soul in peace. The UAE, as usual, also contributes significantly to the promotion of security and stability in the region. Moreover, cooperation among Arab countries leading to self reliance in defense industry is important. Our ambition is greater than it seems today and we hope to extend our cooperation more and more.

‏Domestic industries have recently emerged both within the Gulf Cooperation Council and the UAE. How do you rate these industries?

‏The Arab national industry in general, and UAE industry in particular, has achieved a sophisticated and significant growth in the military sector which is an important and necessary step. The issue of security, on the other hand,is very important, for without security one cannot be free to make his own decisions. In any case, the UAE has achieved self reliance in the field of exhibition industry which is very important and highly commendable.

‏The UAE has recently established the National Defense College. In your view, what is the importance of such colleges for Arab security?

‏To begin with, we congratulate the UAE for establishing the National Defense College, since such colleges are distinguished from others in terms of teaching strategies. They usually graduate national leaders in the field of planning and cooperation at the national level. It is hoped that both the National Defense College in the UAE and its counterpart in Sudan will have mutual communication, ties and relations that lead to a unified Arab strategy.

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