Oct 10, 2021 — The Egyptian president, H.E. Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, who received the South Sudanese president, Salva Kiir Mayardit, today on a two-days visit, has pledged many promises to South Sudan in a bit to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
Speaking in a televised press briefing shortly after a meeting with president Kiir, the Egyptian president pledged to help South Sudan with new developmental projects, overhauling power stations and provide scholarships to more university students.
“Egypt will continue to be a source of strong support for our brothers in South Sudan and will maintain its efforts at all levels to reinforce peace, stability and development there,” he said in televised comments after the talks.
According to president Kiir’s press unit, the two leaders are expected to revisit several bilateral issues and may also visit matters of regional interests.
“The President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit arrived today( Sunday 10th October 2021) in Cairo, Egypt, on a two-day working visit on the invitation of H.E. Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.” President Kiir’s press unit stated
“The two leaders’ discussions centered on several bilateral issues as well as matters of regional peace and security.” The continued.
According to President Kiir’s office, Egypt has been providing scholarships to South Sudan since 1956 and as such South Sudan regards Egypt as a long-term friend.
“Egypt is the first country in Africa and indeed the world to provide large numbers of scholarships to Southern Sudanese students soon after Sudan’s independence in 1956.” Said Kiir’s office.
“Many of them went on to serve as part of the revolutionary forces at the forefront of the war of liberation. In fighting against their marginalization in the Sudan, they laid the early foundations for an independent South Sudan. Today, Egyptian-trained lawyers, doctors and engineers constitute the backbone of South Sudan’s civil service. These historical relations are the context in which we South Sudanese consider Egypt as a special ally in the region.” They emphasized.
According to president Kiir’s office, this visit is both symbolic and at the same time presents an opportunity for the two countries to explore new areas of cooperation.
They also reiterated that the South Sudanese delegation went with their MOUs handy to revisit areas that need to be strengthened.
“The delegation reinvigorated the status of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed between the Republic of South Sudan and the Arab Republic of Egypt that includes among others, the training of South Sudanese diplomats, provision of agricultural land for Egyptian investors, and establishment of educational training centers in South Sudan.” Said Kiir’s office.
The South Sudanese president, whose country is sitting on a hot plate of civil war, is also willing to mediate Egypt and her arch rival, Ethiopia, to boost “regional peace and security”.
“President Kiir also shared concerns over developing regional issues. He recognized Egypt as a powerful state and encouraged President Al Sisi to further support efforts towards lasting peace in the region.” Kiir’s office announced earlier today.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan appreciates the warm reception accorded to the South Sudanese delegation and looks forward to deepening relations between Juba and Cairo for the benefit of our two nations.” The added.
President Kiir was accompanied by the Presidential Advisor on National Security, the Minister of Presidential Affairs, the Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, and other South Sudanese officials.
