By Taban Henry
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has invited tycoons from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to invest in the world’s youngest nation.
Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, the Minister of Presidential Affairs, said Kiir made the statement during his meeting with the United Arab Emirates’ counterpart, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan in Doha last week.
“The President’s visit to the United Arab Emirates was to encourage more investors to come to the Republic of South Sudan and I think that it is a great signal,” he said.
Dr. Marial said more investors from the United Arab Emirates vowed to invest in South Sudan.
“The encouragement of investment especially from the United Arab Emirates and the surrounding Middle East countries. There was a lot of interest at the trade show, Expo 2020 in which over 160 countries participated and South Sudan attracted more interest than any other country,” Marial added.
He stated that President Kiir and the United Arab Emirates’ counterpart, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan discussed a number of issues related to bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to the Minister of Presidential Affairs, Kiir urged the United Arab Emirates to support South Sudan in development, peace and security.
“The peace is being implemented and there will be stability. This country will now embark on the development” Marial said.
The President on Saturday returned to the country after an official visit to the United Arab Emirates,
“President Salva Kiir Mayardit with his accompanying delegation returned home after concluding his official visit to the United Arab Emirates,” he said.
The head of state was received at the Juba International Airport by the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar among other high-ranking government officials.
The President visited the Arab nation on April 18 for the second time after two months. During his trip, the Presidential Press Secretary Ateny Wek Ateny revealed that Kiir had work related engagements to honour during his stay in the UAE.
The President was accompanied by the Presidential Advisor on Security Affairs, Tut Gatluak Manime, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, the Director General of the Intelligence Bureau, Gen. Simon Yien Makuac and other government officials.