Netherlands pledges €75 million annual support to South Sudan
December 16, 2011 (JUBA) — The government of Netherlands on Friday announced its commitment to support reconstruction of the newly founded Republic of South Sudan, saying it contributes €75 million to the country each year.
The Netherlands, which has been closely involved in the peace process in Sudan over the past few years, “intends to play a major role in the reconstruction of South Sudan” said Netherlands Minister for European Affairs and International Cooperation Ben Knapen in a speech at the International Engagement Conference on the future of South Sudan in Washington, DC.
“Through bilateral and multilateral channels and via non-governmental organisations, the Dutch contribute €75 million to the country each year. Over the next three years €45 million of that amount will be spent annually on water management, food security, and security and the legal order”, the minister announced at the conference.
The Netherlands also provided approximately €14 million in humanitarian aid in 2011 and has pledged to make up to 30 experts available for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
The Dutch government which classes South Sudan among its 15 development partners, has also pressed for coordinated EU programming for the years ahead. From now through 2013 the European Union will spend a total of €900 million on development in South Sudan.
The minister in a statement released by the Netherlands embassy in Juba on Friday also underlined that the new state in South Sudan is facing enormous challenges “in addition to security, stability, and social and economic development.”
The minister stressed on the need for a functioning, multiparty democracy that respects the rule of law and human rights.
In a meeting with the President Salva Kiir on the sidelines of the conference, Ben Knapen reiterated Dutch commitment to support the South Sudan development and reaffirmed that good governance and respect of the rule of law are necessary for a democratic regime.
He also urged that relations between North and South Sudan be normalised by settling outstanding issues from the peace agreement.
Along with development South Sudan needs investments and international trade. In October, a month after the Dutch embassy was opened in Juba, a large trade mission took place, with the participation of Dutch businesses in the agriculture, financial services and transport sectors.
The International Engagement Conference for South Sudan ended on 15 December. Speakers included President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, President Robert Zoellick of the World Bank and UNDP Administrator Helen Clark.
Representatives of different governments, the private sector and NGOs spoke on a variety of subjects, including the management of oil income, social services (such as education and health care), strengthening state institutions and investment opportunities.
(ST)