South Sudan’s Kiir in China for talks, Africa-China summit
August 31, 2024 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir is in China for bilateral talks ahead of this year’s Arica-China summit.
A number of senior government officials, who included the First Vice President Riek Machar, accompanied the president to Juba International Airport on Saturday.
No clear details of the mission were disclosed by either the office of the president or other official sources.
The press secretary in the office of the president Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel told reporters that the president was visiting China for bilateral matters and to participate in the China Africa forum at which cooperation between China and the African continent would trade and economic cooperation.
“His Excellency the President is traveling to China on an official visit. He will discuss issues of mutual interest between South Sudan and China such as trade and economic cooperation. His Excellency the President will also attend and participate in the China-Africa forum at which the leaders will have the opportunity to discuss at length with their china president and other leaders from around the world who will be attending the importance of cooperation between China and the African continent”, she said.
The 2024 China-Africa summit has been scheduled from September 4-6.
Analysts with China-Africa knowledge and diplomatic expertise are keen to present the summit as an opportunity at which China and African leaders would showcase their endowments to explore exploit and strengthen bilateral relations, enhancing friendship and cooperation in different areas.
China President Xi Jinping will deliver a keynote speech before hosting a welcoming banquet and associated bilateral events for African leaders and other invited dignitaries from regional and international organizations.
The visit also represents an opportunity for Kiir to solicit financial support in the form of oil for cash as it permitted oil for roads during previous visits.
As of at least 2024, China is reportedly South Sudan’s largest trading partner. In South Sudan, Chinese companies participate in various economic sectors including engineering, construction, telecommunications, healthcare, hotels, restaurant, and retail.
(ST)