S. Sudan and Egypt discuss economic ties, trade relations

March 9, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s foreign minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin and his Egyptian counterpart, Nabil Fahmy met on Saturday and explored ways of expanding economic ties and trade relations between the two nations.

The two ministers, Egypt’s foreign affairs ministry said in statement, also discussed the possibilities of attracting foreign investment at a crucial point during the two nations’ regional re-emergence.

“One of the most crucial topics of discussion was water security in relation to the Nile, which feeds both nations with much needed water for drinking and irrigation,” noted the statement.

Fahmy, it said, underscored the importance of “achieving gains for all without harming the interests of any party” while stressing “respect for international law and historical rights of the states.”

Marial reportedly emphasised the “the importance of cooperation based on the principle of achieving gains for [all countries] within the Nile Basin” while meeting his Egyptian counterpart.

He also thanked the Egyptian government for the support and humanitarian aid supplied to the young nation, noting that a large number of South Sudanese government officials have received their educations in Egypt, reflecting the importance of Egyptian aid to the new nation.

Egypt’s role in South Sudan’s internal development, the minister said, could not be underestimated and appreciated its support throughout the new nation’s building process.

South Sudan was invited for the first to attend the meeting of over 20 Arab member states.

(ST)