Sudan has recalled its Ambassador to Egypt, in what is being seen as another dent in diplomatic relations. No reason or a time frame has been given for the decision to keep the envoy in Khartoum. But as Yasser Hakim reports, there has been on-going tensions between the two neighbouring countries.

The long time friends are at odds on several issues. Sudan president Omar Al Bashir has been accusing Egypt of occupying the border villages of Halayeb and Shalateen. Egypt describes such allegations as baseless. Another standoff is over Ethiopia's Renaissance Dam which Cairo fears can reduce its water share from the Nile.

SAMAR IBRAHIM JOURNALIST, AL MASRY AL YOUM "Sudan,like Egypt, refused to sign the Antebe agreement in 2011 and has supported Egypt stance against the Dam that can affect the two nations' water share. But relations turned sour after Sudan changed its stance and stood by Ethiopia in the dam file against Egypt. Our sources believe that Sudan's reason for summoning its ambassador is because Egypt has officially called on the World Bank to be a mediator in the Dam talks without informing Sudan, which claims it knew this from the media only."

Egypt says its still evaluating the situation before responding to Sudan's decision to call its ambassador. Egypt had earlier expressed concern over Khartoum's recent closeness to Qatar and Turkey, accused by Cairo of funding and arming terrorists.

SAMAR IBRAHIM JOURNALIST, AL MASRY AL YOUM "Turkish President Rajab Tayyip Erdogan's latest visit to Sudan where Bashir handed over the island of Sawaken to Turkey is seen by analysts here as a possible attempt to build a Turkish army base funded by Qatar to provide refuge and training to terrorists and then export them to Egypt. There is also anger in Egypt because Sudan is providing refuge to many members and wanted leaders of the outlawed terrorist group the Muslim Brotherhood."

On the other hand, Al Bashir accuses Cairo of arming rebel groups to overthrow the Khartoum government. Cairo denies these allegations.

So far, Egypt has remained silent over the recent Sudanese escalation. However experts believe there will be extensive diplomatic activity soon to try to defuse the crisis between the two African neighbours. Yasser hakim, CGTN Cairo.