But Mustafa Othman Ismail, adviser to Sudanese President Omar Hassan Bashir, said “Doha’s strong relations with Khartoum and Washington can contribute positively to the environment.”
Addressing a press conference at the Sudanese embassy, the former foreign minister said Khartoum acknowledged Washington’s regional concerns but had no intention to “challenge” anyone, in a reference to its standoff with the US over the Darfur issue.
Ismail said Sudan and the US can build good relations if the Americans respect the choice of the Sudanese people.
Referring to Al Jazeera photographer Sami al-Hajj, who is detained in Guantanamo without a trial, the official said Sudan agreed with Qatar that pressure should be maintained to secure his release.
He said the Americans, by detaining al-Hajj, is increasing opposition against the US policies.
Ismail said that a Qatari-Sudanese investment meeting will be held in Doha next month.
Qatar will play an active role in Sudan’s infrastructure development especially in the hotel and agriculture field, he added.
