Ethiopia, South Sudan Keen to Strengthen Relationship

ADDIS ABABA – Leaders of Ethiopia and South Sudan have vowed to strengthen the socio-economic relations between the two neighboring nations.

President Salva Kiir paid a day-long official visit to Addis Ababa where he and his delegation met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The focus of the visit was to discuss key bilateral and regional issues of mutual concern, the PM office of Ethiopia said.

PM Abiy briefed Kiir about the current issues of Ethiopia, including the positive economic performance of key sectors registered amid challenges like Covid-19.

He also shared examples of the enhanced democratic practices being experienced in the country for the first time and affirmed his government’s priority to domestic and regional peace as a first priority.

President Salva Kiir, on his part, congratulated PM Abiy and the government of Ethiopia for the peaceful conclusion of the 6th National Elections.

The president also commended the successful second filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), reaffirming that South Sudan continues to attach great importance to the relations with Ethiopia.

According to the PM office, President Kiir also condemned the attack of the Northern Command by TPLF which initiated an armed conflict and appreciated the Government’s effort to safeguard the Constitutional order, highlighting non-interference by external parties in Ethiopia’s current domestic challenge.

South Sudan President Kiir concluded his day-long visit and left for Jubah this afternoon.

In a message poster on twitter, PM Abiy appreciated President Salva Kiir for the commitment to strengthen ties between the two neighboring countries.

“In our discussions, we have also explored the necessity to build on economic ties through infrastructure development,” he said. “All-weather friends like South Sudan are essential in our time of need.”