Japanese parliamentarians visit South Sudan
By James Gatdet Dak
July 16, 2008 (JUBA) – A team of Japanese members of parliament headed by the Chairperson of Research Committee on National Life and Economy, Honourable Tetsuro Yano paid a two-day visit to Juba, the capital of Southern Sudan, on Wednesday to acquaint themselves with the general situation in the region.
The team met with the Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar and discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to promotion of bilateral relations between Japan and Southern Sudan particularly on development issues.
Machar also briefed the team on the status of implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
The meeting concentrated on economic ties, especially the promotion of investment and trade between Southern Sudan and Japan.
Machar encouraged the Japanese parliamentarians to engage in parliamentary dialogue with the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly.
On investment, Machar told the MPs that Southern Sudan is potentially very rich in agriculture that would make it self-sufficient if modern technology on food production is introduced in the region.
He appealed to the Japanese government to invest its technology in Southern Sudan and increase its development projects in the ten states.
Machar reminded the delegates that most of the cars on roads in Juba are made in Japan and appealed to the Japanese car manufacturers to cooperate with Southern Sudanese car dealers to avail spare parts for such vehicles in Southern Sudan.
Machar also commended the role played by the Japanese government through its development projects in Juba and appreciated its pledge of 200 million US dollars to Sudan during the Second Oslo Donors Conference this year.
On his part, the head of the Japanese MPs delegation to Juba, Hon. Tetsuro Yano said Japan would continue to promote bilateral relations with Southern Sudan in various fields.
He expressed the Japanese government’s commitment to support the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
The Japanese parliamentarian also appreciated the mediation role played by the Government of Southern Sudan to end the war in Northern Uganda, which he said, would help in consolidating peace in the region.
(ST)
Mr Famous Big_Logic_Boy
Japanese parliamentarians visit South Sudan
Good mr Riek it is my first to say keep up, I know that Japan is one of Asian countries like China but intact according to their history they have different political system which is basic on their beliefs however I would welcome them to our nation to do their development but we must be serious with meaning to say we have to sign a contract for how long they will be in our country, otherwise later it will lead to some effects if we don’t work under contract and agreement. They must have a specific period of time to carry their development.