South Sudan reiterates commitment to deepen relations with Ethiopia

November 1, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan has reiterated its commitment to deepen bilateral ties with Ethiopia, citing coordination efforts and cooperation on multiple fronts.

South Sudan’s President Salva on Wednesdy held a meeting with Ethiopia’s deputy Prime Minister as well as Foreign Affairs Minister, Demeke Mekonnen Hassen in Juba.

Kiir described as “historical” the relations between Africa’s newest nation and Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian official, in a statement on the state-owned television (SSBC), said their meeting focused on strengthening people-to-people relations between the two nations.

For his part, South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs minister, James Pitia Morgan said the meeting focused on connecting the two countries with roads, besides regional stability. 

“There were a number of bilateral matters which they discussed. One of the issues was to explore and expedite not only how the two sides would consolidate and maintain the current relations but also how they could be deepened and coordinate efforts and cooperate in areas of mutual benefits to both countries, especially in inroads”, he said.

Juba and Addis Ababa enjoy a cordial relationship, spanning several years, noted Morgan.

South Sudan has been exploring ways it could build roads from western Ethiopia to upper Nile states where it produces oil it hopes to transport to the international markets for sale through the port of Djibouti. Several  Memorandum of understanding have been signed between the two countries but implementation has often delayed due to funding.  

A prolonged conflict in Sudan could, however, affect the delivery of the oil through Sudan where it is exported via Port Sudan at the Red Sea to the international markets. 

(ST)