Sudan's foreign ministry has distanced itself from meetings Sudanese officials outside of its office may have had with Israel, after reports of talks between representatives from the two countries in recent days.
Local media had reported on Saturday that a Sudanese military-led delegation visited Israel, while Israeli sources revealed that a meeting between the Sudanese justice minister and Israeli minister of regional cooperation took place in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi.
The foreign ministry, currently headed by Mariam al-Sadiq al-Mahdi, confirmed in a statement that it is "the only party concerned with foreign relations in accordance with the constitution, international customs and cabinet decisions."
"The ministry of foreign affairs is not responsible for any visits or discussions between officials in particular outside the state’s official foreign policy," which it said would bypass the cabinet’s prerogatives.
Sudan has been in a phase of political transition since former president Omar al-Bashir was ousted in early 2019. A coup attempt last month shook the foundations of transitional rule, with the army blaming the events on the inaction of politicians.
Sudan had technically been at war with Israel since 1948, until both countries established diplomatic ties in October 2020.