Author: Kim Jung-Doo.

This paper focuses on the history of Korea-Sudan relations during the years 1969-1985, particulary the May regime mainly in political and economic terms. Both Korea and Sudan had been colonized Korea was liberated in 1945 from Japan. On the other hand, Sudan went through a similar historical experiences with some differences it was liberated from British colonial rule in 1~. Sudan knew well Korea through the Korean war. South Korea sent goodwill missions Sudan since independence in 1945 for the purpose of normalization of relations. South Korea established diplomatic relations with Sudan in 1m, but North Korea had already established diplomatic ties with Sudan in 1969. Nimeiri's policy was directed toward the Soviet Union and the socialist camp. However, Nimeiri government made a complete u-tum from pro-Soviet stance to pro-Western one by 1976. On the other hand, In South Korea on June 23, 1973, the Park government issued a special Presidential declaration stating that it would open its doors to all countries that differ from it in ideology and political system. Korea made various efforts to establish diplomatic relations with Sudan through exchange of visits, mediation of influential figure, etc. As a result, Korea established consular and diplomatic relations respectively. The competition between was intense in Sudan for Sudan's support for their position in the non-aligned movement and in the international arena Sudan supported sometimes South Korean position since 1976. Korea and Sudan concluded trade promotion agreement in December 1976 and cultural agreement in November 1977,. The trade volume of two countries has been increased. Korea stressed diplomacy of visit and invitation with Sudan. Exchanges of visits of government officials and people of both countries were increased. At last, President Nimeiri visited Seoul in March 1983. President Chun Doo-Hwan and President Nimeiri agreed to extend bilateral cooperation in various field. they agreed to set. up a joint ministerial ommission and a vocational training center with grant-type aid which cost more than 4.5 million. Nimeiri's visit to Seoul made bilateral relations reach a peak. During the May regime, South Korea's grant aid was $453,000 such as cultivator, water-pumps, etc. and its loan was $20 million for construction of guest house. The Daewoo Group invested directly capital in Sudan $7 million ITMD(tire maker) $33.02 million to SKCCC(construction), $20 million to BNB(bank). The total was $60.02 million. On the other hand, North Korea's grant aids were $750,000 for construction of the youth and Children Palace and $2 million for construction of four model towns, together with $2 million loans. Though the period is short, South Korea-Sudan cooperation has rapidly developed especially in economic fields. Thus the two countries became a good cooperative partner based on reciprocity and equity.