South Sudan signs military cooperation deal with Egypt
March 23, 2014 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese government on Sunday signed bilateral military cooperation with Egypt, less than a week after it reached a consensus on a similar matter with neighbouring Sudan, from which it suceeded in July 2011.
Juuk was accompanied by his national security counterpart, Gen. Mabuto Mamur Mate, the deputy director for military intelligence and South Sudan’s ambassador to Egypt.
The defence minister is said to have held a meeting with the Egyptian president, Adil Mansour during which he delivered to the latter a “special message” from his South Sudanese counterpart, Salva Kiir.
He also extended his appreciation to Egypt for the cooperation and investments, which have contributed towards strengthening the existing ties between the two countries.
During the meeting, Juuk reportedly assured the Egyptians of his country’s commitment to remain its significant partner in the development of mutual interests for the benefit of citizens from both countries.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian president reportedly expressed optimism that South Sudan would soon define strategic projects and outlines for their implementation.
Mansour is also said to have assured the visiting South Sudanese delegation of his country’s willingness to find new funding mechanisms for bilateral activities in the field of defence.
But while specific details of the military cooperation between the two nations remained unclear, military sources have told Sudan Tribune that the deal provides for the cooperation between the countries’ armed forces on the sharing expertise, training of special forces, joint exercises, participation in seminars and search and rescue issues.
(ST)