Egypt and Sudan have enjoyed intimate and longstanding historical ties, seeing as they are each other's closest allies in the North African region. The two countries are connected by various cultural ties and political aspirations. Indeed, prior to Sudanese independence in 1956, the two countries had been united since the early 19th century under the Muhammad Ali Dynasty.

When South Sudan declared its independence from Sudan, Egypt has recognized and established diplomatic links and has sought to develop relations with the newly-born State.