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July 7, 2024 (Juba) – South Sudan and neighboring Ethiopia have agreed to strengthen border security and trade by building alternative oil infrastructure.
The agreement was reached on July 6, 2024 by governors and administrators of provinces along the border between South Sudan and Ethiopia, following extensive discussions on various issues.
Officials said the discussion Sudan Tribune, Sincere and enthusiastic attitude.
The meeting was a step towards reaching consensus on the common interests of both countries through cooperation in developing physical infrastructure to enhance trade, security and investment. It further committed both countries to work together to promote and strengthen economic cooperation, achieve economic growth and prosperity, and achieve mutual benefit for both countries, to this end, after lengthy discussions, the two sides issued a number of resolutions.
One of the important resolutions reached by the two sides was an agreement on infrastructure construction. The two sides agreed to work together to mobilize resources to build roads connecting Upper Nile State, especially the Gambella-Pagak road through Maiwut to Malakal-Marut and Paloch. This is an important road. It will be used to transport oil through the port of Djibouti. This means that the security of the road will be coordinated and strengthened to promote trade and the movement of people and goods between the two countries.
Previously, the National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan passed a resolution on June 24, 2024, approving a grant of US$778 million for the construction of a road project connecting South Sudan with neighboring Ethiopia.
In a statement, Upper Nile State Minister for Cabinet Affairs David Nyan praised the efforts of the Ethiopian and South Sudanese governments, saying it provided an opportunity for the two countries to consolidate peace and stability in the region through trade and economic cooperation.
“We recognise the importance of border trade and we can enhance it by having roads and ensuring security,” he said.
Nyan explained that criminal activities at the border between the two countries include human trafficking and livestock smuggling due to poor border management.
“This meeting provides us with an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance border security, promote peace and stability, conduct economic cooperation and development, address humanitarian issues, address displacement, and enhance trade and investment between our two countries,” he stressed.
South Sudan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Semaya K. Kumba, called the meeting a milestone in bilateral relations.
He stressed that the agreement will help address common challenges and promote cooperation and understanding.
“I want to congratulate both countries on the signing of the financial agreement for the construction of the cross-border road, which was approved by South Sudan,” Kumba said.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged the long-standing relationship between the two countries, dating back to the liberation struggle and the support extended to South Sudan by successive Ethiopian leaders and authorities.
He reiterated the commitment of the Government of President Salva Kiir to implement the signed agreements.
(English stone)
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