China's 'two sessions' key to Sudan-China relations: analysts

KHARTOUM - The annual meetings of China's top legislature and political advisory body are significant to China's relations with the rest of the world, Sudanese political analysts said.

Known as the "two sessions," the events "foretell a bright future for China," Nasser Merghani, a Sudanese political analyst, said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Noting that China has made major achievements over the past four decades thanks to its reform and opening-up, he said China is witnessing major socio-economic and political progress with impact on the whole world.

"What will come out of the 'two sessions' concerns the world, particularly China's partners, including Sudan, which enjoys strategic ties with China," Merghani said.

Highlighting the importance of the Sudan-China economic bond, he pointed out that China's investments have played a remarkable role in promoting Sudan's economic development, and have yielded huge mutual benefits in the fields of infrastructure and energy.

The benefits of bilateral cooperation are expected to rise as the two countries are headed for joint projects within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, Merghani said.

Proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, the initiative aims to create greater trade, infrastructure and people-to-people links along and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes. The modern version comprises an overland Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

Hassan Bin Ouf, another political analyst, said Sudan can play a major role in the China-proposed initiative considering its geographic location as a bridge between the Arab world and Africa.

He suggested that Sudan become a key player in the initiative and dedicate its potentials and resources in order to achieve mutual benefit.