Sudan's Minister of Tourism, Antiquities and Wildlife, Dr Mohammed Abu Zaid Mustafa, praised the invaluable role played by Qatar in global peace through its international endeavours that aimed at ending conflicts, advocating non-violence and resolving conflicts through peaceful means, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.

He said that this policy was highly appreciated and respected globally and placed Qatar among leading countries in establishing international peace and security through diplomatic and political manner.

Speaking to QNA, the Sudanese Minister said that Doha is a beacon for peace as it has hosted numerous events and regional and international conferences to consolidate peace and has made a pioneering contribution in the Arab reunion and Islamic unity by finding a coherent system that seeks to overcome challenges and obstacles arising from crises, conflicts and disputes.

With regard to the Qatari-Sudanese relations, Dr Mohammed stressed the depth of relations between the two countries, saying that Doha stood with Khartoum in the most difficult circumstances, and that the Qatari leadership was the first government in the world to break the blockade imposed on Sudan and dealt with it despite the surrounding difficulties and risks.

This step, he said, led later to achieving a breakthrough and openness to the world, and was followed by the lifting of US sanctions on Sudan.

He pointed out that Khartoum has benefitted greatly from Qatar's efforts at the regional and international levels, a matter which helped Sudan to convey its message and obtain the necessary support required to resolve its international issues.

While lauding Qatar's important role and describing the strategic relations between the two countries as a model, the Sudanese Minister pointed out that his ministry took advantage of the outcomes of Doha peace agreement by promoting tourism in Sudan globally, especially in antiquities field, as Qatar has implemented a larger project for the restoration of antiquities in Sudan.

Dr Mohammed pointed out that Doha peace agreement laid down the new criteria of tourism in Darfur through the massive development of peace installations, dialogue with neighbouring countries, the revival of the culture of peace and the empowerment of communities through the organisation of heritage festivals. --Bernama