Saudi Arabia, South Sudan joint efforts to end Sudan conflict
August 3, 2023 (JUBA) – Saudi Arabia and South Sudan have vowed to join forces in lobbying for support to bring an end to the conflict in Sudan, raising hopes for a peaceful resolution among the conflicting parties in the country.
South Sudan’s acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation stated on Thursday that the two nations have agreed to collaborate and coordinate their efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan.
“The special envoy came here to deliver a message and pledged support and readiness to work with us, the government, and the people of this country in all fields to improve the socio-economic conditions of the two areas and to strengthen bilateral relations,” explained Deng Dau Malek.
He made these remarks following a visit from the Saudi official, which occurred after the government and the UN mission in South Sudan held a press conference to declare an end to restrictions on the activities of the UN-owned Radio Miraya.
“The visit was also an opportunity for His Excellency President Salva Kiir to provide a comprehensive briefing to the envoy about what he and the government were doing regarding the current situation in Sudan. The envoy was impressed and declared the readiness of Saudi Arabia authorities to cooperate and coordinate all diplomatic activities to end the conflict in Sudan,” said Malek.
“This represents hope that the conflict in Sudan could soon be addressed,” he added.
The South Sudanese official revealed that parties involved in the Sudanese conflict are open to talks, indicating a shift in attitude towards finding a solution to the conflict that erupted in mid-April.
Malek further disclosed that President Kiir has been extended an invitation by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman, to attend and participate in the upcoming Saudi Arabia-Africa summit scheduled for November 2023.
This invitation was conveyed to Kiir by an envoy, Ahmed Kattan, on Wednesday.
The meeting with Kiir, the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) reported, announced that Saudi Arabia could open an embassy in Juba to strengthen the relations between the two countries further, representing a new development in diplomatic relations between them.
Until now, Saudi Arabia had not established a fully functioning embassy in South Sudan, conducting its bilateral relations with the country through Sudan. The opening of the embassy in Juba signifies a significant step towards enhancing cooperation between the two nations in all fields.
During the meeting, however, the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest and bilateral relations as well as the means of bolstering and strengthening these ties.
(ST)