CLOSING SPEECH YB DATO’ SERI UTAMA HAJI MOHAMAD BIN HAJI HASAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MALAYSIA CONFERENCE: “SUDAN – THE FORGOTTEN WAR” INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED[...]

CLOSING SPEECH YB DATO' SERI UTAMA HAJI MOHAMAD BIN HAJI HASAN MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MALAYSIA CONFERENCE: "SUDAN - THE FORGOTTEN WAR" INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED ISLAMIC STUDIES (IAIS), KUALA LUMPUR 5 AUGUST 2024

His Excellency Ambassador Hussein Awad Ali,

Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Sudan,

Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, Salam Sejahtera, and a very good afternoon.

1. Today, we are gathered here not merely as participants in a conference, but as human beings bonded by our shared values and our collective responsibility towards our brothers and sisters in Sudan.

2. The discussions we have had today have cast a much-needed light on the grim realities facing Sudan, a nation that has been relegated to the periphery of international consciousness.

3. The topics we have deliberated throughout this seminar, from the root causes of the Sudan Civil War to the current political and security developments, have provided us with a deeper understanding of the conflict.

4. Nevertheless, one recurring theme throughout these discussions has been the misguided notion of forgetfulness. Has the war in Sudan, and its detrimental impacts been forgotten, and slipped from our collective memory? Why does the suffering of millions fail to command the urgent attention it so desperately needs? These questions, though difficult, compel us to reflect on our moral responsibility and the imperative to keep Sudan's plight at the forefront of our minds.

5. The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is one of the most severe and underreported tragedies of our time. Despite having the largest internally displaced population in the world, with over 11 million people affected, it remains largely overlooked.

6. Since mid-April 2023, an estimated 7.3 million people have been internally displaced, many experiencing secondary displacement. The most affected are children, who account for half of the displaced population.

7. Adding to this dire situation, Sudan is currently facing one of the world's worst hunger crises. Over 18 million people, or more than 37% of the population, are at risk due to a lack of available and affordable food.

8. The conflict has caused untold suffering, and left a trail of devastation that will take generations to heal. The heart-wrenching stories and data, of displacement, loss, and survival that we have heard every day, are not just statistics, but real lives being severely affected by violence and instability.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

9. Sudan is no stranger to us in Malaysia. Our nations have fostered a longstanding friendship through diplomatic, trade, and cultural exchanges for the past 51 years.

10. This bond was formalized when Sudan established its embassy in Kuala Lumpur back in 1991, and was reciprocated by Malaysia with the opening of our embassy in Khartoum in 1999.

11. Since those early days, our relations have evolved beyond diplomatic formalities; it embodies a deep-rooted friendship built on mutual respect and shared aspirations for peace and progress.

12. Malaysia has consistently supported Sudan's peace processes and advocated for its development through international platforms such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations (UN).

13. Our humanitarian efforts encompass a wide range of activities aimed at alleviating the plight and hardships of the Sudanese people. These include aiding Darfur refugees, offering scholarships to Sudanese students, providing technical training and capacity building through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), as well as channelling monetary assistance through the Sudanese Red Crescent.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

14. The Sudanese civil war is not merely a distant conflict, but a humanitarian crisis that demands the attention of the global community. Today's discussions have underscored the need for both short-term relief and long-term solutions. 15. Beyond providing humanitarian assistance to those affected, such as food, shelter, and medical care, focus must also be given to foster sustainable peace and stability in Sudan.

16. The Malaysian Government remains committed to advancing human rights and social justice on the international stage. At the same time, we advocate for South-South Cooperation through the exchange of developmental expertise, including in post-conflict contexts.

17. In order to restore peace and stability in Sudan, it requires a concerted effort from all key stakeholders and international partners. In this context, we believe in the use of dialogue and mediation as tools to address the ongoing conflict in a constructive manner.

18. The involvement of a neutral third party is important, one that is acceptable to both warring factions, to facilitate a fair and balanced approach for all parties involved. Ultimately, lasting peace can only be achieved through a sense of togetherness.

19. Let us approach this endeavour with a deep sense of our shared humanity and moral obligation. We must act with thoughtfulness and compassion to effectively address this crisis.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

20. Before I end, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to IAIS Malaysia, Bait Al-Amanah, and the Embassy of the Republic of Sudan for organizing this program. Your dedication and hard work have brought us together to address one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time.

21. To all the speakers and participants, thank you for your valuable insights and contributions. Your voices have enriched our understanding of this conflict.

22. Let us move forward with determination and compassion, united in our commitment to supporting the people of Sudan.

Thank you.

Wabillahi tawfiq wal-hidayah, Assalamualaikum wbt.

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