CAIRO (Sputnik) — Both countries have been laying claims to the Red Sea coast area for decades. Earlier this year, Sudan reportedly asked for talks with Egypt, warning it would otherwise take the dispute to an international court.
"This area belongs to Sudan based on geographical, political and legal considerations. We will continue raising this issue," Bukhari Afandi, the head of the Sudanese Foreign Ministry’s Department of Neighboring Countries, said.
Afandi added that, "at the same time, our nations have maintained strong relations for centuries, and we hope we'll continue strengthening them."
Egypt has refuted all demands by Sudan to cede the control of the contested area. The row flared up again this year after Egypt handed over two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia.