Sudan to normalize ties with Israel: state TV

KHARTOUM - Sudan and Israel agreed to normalize ties, according to a joint statement issued by the US, Israel and Sudan, official Sudan TV reported on Friday.

"Joint talks were held today between leaders (of the three countries) to discuss the historic progress for Sudan and opportunities to enhance peace in the region," said a statement broadcast by Sudan TV.

"The leaders have agreed to normalize relations between Sudan and Israel, end enmity between them and begin the bilateral relations with the focus on agriculture," it added.

For years, Sudan has remained at the forefront of countries opposing normalization with Israel.

However, a sudden meeting on Feb. 3 between Chairman of Sudan's Transitional Military Council Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Entebbe, Uganda, constituted a turning point in the relations between the two countries.

The US administration has urged Sudan's transitional government to normalize ties with Israel.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump signed an order to remove Sudan from the list of states sponsoring terrorism.