Ethiopia, South Sudan eye further bilateral cooperation

 

Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu received his South Sudanese counterpart Mr. Deng Alor Kuol on Friday in Addis Ababa, wherein the two sides reaffirmed to lift bilateral cooperation into a new high.

The two sides also discussed issues of promoting peace and security in the region, and particularly in South Sudan.

The Ministers further deliberated on issues of building regional infrastructure networks and further boosting the bilateral trade and investment ties.

On the occasion, Dr. Workneh noted that Ethiopia and South Sudan have enjoyed a strong bilateral relation, which he said should further be bolstered in the years to come.

Touching upon the progress in South Sudan’s peace process, Dr. Workneh further said, “We are part of the region and also a partner in South Sudan’s peace process; and we will continue to extend support in such score.”

Describing Ethiopia’s role in the independence of South Sudan as crucial, Mr. Deng Alor on his part said, “There is no country closer to South Sudan than Ethiopia in every aspect.”

He also underlined the importance of building structures such as roads for trade and investment, adding that the Gambella-Nasir-Malakal and Dima-Raad roads are examples of the strategic cooperation evident between the two countries.

A plan to construct an oil refinery close to the Ethiopian border is also another project, which is hoped to further fuel the process of regional integration.

Source: MoFA