President Omar al Bashir left here on Wednesday for Saudi Arabia to attend the final stage of the North Thunder military drill.

Sudanese Defense Minister Awad Mohamed Ahmed Ibin Auf is accompanying Bashir on his visit.

"Sudan participates in the military drill out of its belief in the importance of promoting the joint Arab action at all levels to ensure security and stability of the Arab region," spokesman for the Sudanese Army Colonel Ahmed al Shamy said.

Up to 20 Arab and Islamic countries are participating in the military exercise in order to ensure the readiness of their Armed Forces.

Source: MENA