Juba, South Sudan,
June 08, 2021 – The governments of South Sudan and Saudi Arabia seek to strengthen bilateral and diplomatic ties between the two countries, it has emerged.
This comes after a recent visit by Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Qattan, Saudi Minister of State for African Affairs to the office of President Salva Kiir Mayardit in the capital Juba.
Saudi Arabia’s government received an appreciation from Kiir for what he described as persistent support for many years and acknowledged the fading diplomatic ties between the two countries in areas of bilateral interest which he said will be strengthened between the two countries.
According to a statement released by the Presidential Press Unit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Beatrice Khamisa Wani said the two countries shall sign a memorandum of understanding in the near future on bilateral areas of cooperation to deepen the relations and create opportunities for steady economic partnerships.
In a statement seen by Nyamilepedia, Khamisa said, Saudi Arabia has requested South Sudan to present investment projects for consideration by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Khamisa said the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman congratulated Kiir on the progress made in the formation of the new government.
She said Ahmed discussed with Kiir investment opportunities and resolved that Saudi Arabia’s development fund could be injected into different sectors in South Sudan, from education, health, and agriculture.
The Saudi Arabian delegation led by the Saudi Arabia Minister of State for African Affairs came to Juba on a one-day visit.
Saudi Arabia and the United States of America have been indispensable allies during the regime of Donald Trump.
With the U.S. having enormous influence in the United Nations Security Council, South Sudan could use Saudi Arabia as a pathway to push for the lifting of the arms embargo.
South Sudan and Saudi Arabia are also members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting States (OPEC).
