South Sudan, Ethiopia agree to strengthen bilateral relations

March 13, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed on Monday met to discuss bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries.

Abiy was in the South Sudanese capital, Juba on a one-day working visit.

The two leaders, a statement from the presidency noted, also held a meeting on bilateral matters with regional dimension and progress on the peace agreement.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Deng Dau Malek said the meeting focused on bilateral relations, regional dimensions and the progress of the peace agreement.

He said Abiy also held a side-line meeting with First Vice President Riek Machar to deliberate on challenges hindering the implementation of the peace agreement.

For his part, Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs minister, Misganu Arega said that the two leaders exchanged views on matters of bilateral relations and regional stability.

South Sudan and neighbouring Ethiopia have enjoyed good bilateral relations.

Last year, the two countries signed a pact to promote bilateral relations on security

(ST)