Kiir pledges to maintain better relations between South Sudan and Uganda

By Ngor Arol Garang

June 26, 2010 (ALEK) – The President of the semi-autonomous region of Southern Sudan, General Salva Kiir Mayardit, assures of the commitment by his government to continue strengthening cordial relations which have existed between Southern Sudan and Uganda over the years.

Uganda is one of the East African countries that have extensively accorded Southern Sudan better relations. It has hosted thousands of South Sudanese refugees during the North-South civil wars in the country since 1956.

In a congratulatory letter thanking Southern Sudan President, Kiir, for announcing new cabinet ministers, presented by the Ugandan trader’s union representatives in Juba and extended to Sudan Tribune, the letter highlighted valuable relationship that is characterized by mutual partnership and co-operation between the two regions.

Addressing six Ugandan trader’s union representatives, Southern Sudan President was said to have told representatives that the friendship between Sudan, particularly south Sudan and Uganda, has witnessed significant strides towards enhancing co-operation between the two countries.

Our two countries in reference to Southern Sudan and Uganda, he said, are bound together not only by cultural values but also through a common border and natural resources.

President Kiir is further reported to have assured Ugandans to live and run their businesses without any fear of being foreigners in the region.

“You are free to run your businesses without fear of intimidation based on the nationality. You do not have to hold on this at all. Uganda and Southern Sudan are and one and the same,” he said.

While meeting with representatives, Kiir advised that it is cardinal for the two governments to focus on satisfying the needs and interests of the people of the two countries.

He is also reported to have congratulated the government and the people of Uganda on the accelerated economic growth and the peace that has prevailed in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the traders union, David Mulungu said his country will always remain grateful to Sudan for extending better relationship all the time. “We recognize and very much respect and thank south Sudan government for allowing us to run our business freely without segregation on the bases of nationality,” he said.

“Therefore, we are glad to inform you as president of the region that we have not come to complain to you but to congratulate you on the formation of the new government. We are happy with your government because we are not experiencing any problem based on our nationalities,” said Mulungu.

Earlier, President Kiir reportedly recognized the support Uganda extended to the region during struggle by saying the struggle for the liberation of Southern Sudan could not have been successful without the support of the Ugandan people and their government.

He said the government of Southern Sudan is therefore ready to partner with the Ugandan government in promoting economic development, peace and security in the region.

“The dynamics of relations between Uganda and Southern Sudan today demands the establishment of regular links and the strengthening of bilateral economic co-operation,” said President Kiir.

He said considerable steps have been taken in facilitating the movement of people, goods and services between the two countries.

(ST)