South Sudan, Belarus establish diplomatic relations

September 4, 2013 (JUBA) – South Sudan and Belarus on Tuesday signed a joint communique for the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The ceremony, which took place at the Belarus embassy in Egypt, was witnessed by Igor Fissenko, its envoy to the North African country and his South Sudan counterpart, Anthony Kon.

Both countries reportedly agreed to establish diplomatic relations, confirming mutual recognition of the principles of equality of the states, independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of each party.

The two envoys also expressed their eagerness to develop mutually beneficial bilateral relations in the political, commercial, economic and cultural cooperation aspects.

The Belarus ambassador and his South Sudan counterpart also confirmed interest in organising exchange of business delegations of the two countries, according to a communique from the Belarus foreign ministry.

Kon said plans are underway by South Sudan government to concurrently seek accreditation in Belarus for its current envoy to Russia.

On 30 July, Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko signed a decree for the establishment of diplomatic relations with South Sudan.

(ST).