ABU DHABI, April 13, 2019, SPA -- The UAE has welcomed the appointment of Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al Burhan Abdelrahman as the new head of Sudan's transitional military council. In a statement this evening, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation described the development as a "step forward reflecting the ambitions of the brotherly people of Sudan towards security, stability and development." "The UAE is following with a great interest this defining moment in Sudan's modern history and reiterates full trust in the ability of the Sudanese people and their national army to survive the challenges in a way that ensures stability, prosperity and development for the nation," added the statement. "The UAE reaffirms its support for the steps taken by Sudan's transitional military council to protect people and property, wishing these steps would ensure security and stability for the sisterly country." The statement adds that the UAE wishes all political, factional, popular and military leaders in the Republic of Sudan will work for protecting legitimacy and ensuring a peaceful transfer of power, a better future for the nation and national unity for the people of Sudan. --SPA 03:36 LOCAL TIME 00:36 GMT 0018 www.spa.gov.sa/w1084606