The 13th Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) of the Khartoum Process, hosted and chaired by Egypt, gathered 100 participants from member states and key stakeholders, laying essential groundwork ahead of the 2nd Ministerial Conference scheduled for 9 April 2025.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Dr. Wael Badawi, Egypt's Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for Migration, Refugee Affairs, and Anti-Human Trafficking, expressed gratitude to partner countries for their ongoing support and commitment to the Process. He underscored the significance of adopting the Cairo Ministerial Declaration and Action Plan, marking continued dedication to addressing migration challenges cooperatively. Ambassador Badawi notably welcomed Sudan’s reintegration into the Process and Steering Committee after a two-year hiatus, with Somalia warmly acknowledging Sudan’s return, having previously stepped in for Sudan in the Steering Committee.

Key developments included the endorsement of the Cairo Ministerial Declaration and Action Plan to be adopted at the Ministerial Conference, the following day. The texts underscore the renewed commitment to cooperative migration management. 

Updates on the Joint Valletta Action Plan (JVAP) were shared, highlighting its role in tracking and supporting migration initiatives, with improved data visualisation tools announced.

Governance enhancements were made with the adoption of the revised Steering Committee Rules of Procedure, expanding committee representation.

France, as incoming Chair, outlined its priorities for the upcoming chairmanship, emphasising cross-cutting issues such as legal identity, anti-trafficking efforts, climate-related migration, and addressing missing migrants. The focus will be on inclusive and responsive cooperation.

The meeting reaffirmed the Process's role as a vital platform for strategic dialogue and collaboration on migration.