Egyptian-Sudanese Economic Relations in Light of Al-Ahram Newspaper 1970-1973

Abstract

      The study examines economic relations between Egypt and Sudan during the period 1970–1973, a phase characterized by considerable interaction as a result of the political and regional transformations experienced by both countries. These years followed the rise of President Jaafar Nimeiri to power in Sudan in 1969, the death of President Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1970, and the accession of Anwar Sadat to the presidency in Egypt. These developments directly influenced the nature of bilateral relations between the two states.

       From an economic perspective, several key areas of cooperation emerged between the two countries. Foremost among these were issues related to the Nile waters and the High Dam, and the resulting agreements concerning compensation to Sudan in the fields of electricity and water resources. In addition, joint projects were initiated in agriculture, irrigation, and transportation. This period also witnessed serious efforts to consolidate the concept of economic integration through bilateral agreements aimed at moving beyond traditional patterns of trade exchange toward strategic partnerships in infrastructure and production.

      The significance of this period lies in the convergence of political and economic interests amid the internal and external challenges facing both countries. These included shifts in Egyptian policy at the beginning of the Sadat era and Sudan’s attempts to strengthen its regional and international standing. An analysis of this experience demonstrates that economic relations were not isolated from the political context; rather, they formed part of a broader project aimed at achieving integration and unity between the two states.

      Overall, Egyptian–Sudanese economic relations between 1970 and 1973 witnessed a noticeable rapprochement influenced by political transformations in both countries. Cooperation during this period was closely linked to political, economic, and unity-oriented dimensions that were being promoted at the time. This phase was marked by the signing of practical protocols that strengthened agricultural, commercial, and industrial cooperation and reflected a clear orientation toward economic integration between Egypt and Sudan.