By Yiep Joseph
The Djiboutian government has expressed commitment to enhancing trade relations with South Sudan.
In a meeting on Wednesday with President Salva Kiir, Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, outlined his home government is ready to initiate major projects aimed at boosting South Sudan’s economy.
According to a statement from the Presidential Press Unit, Minister Youssouf express commitment to the proposed development of a new oil corridor that would connect South Sudan through Ethiopia to Djibouti.
This will enhance regional economic integration and foster growth.
According to the statement, minister Youssouf revealed that his home government is committed to backing up South Sudan in a call for lifting of the army embargo and sanctions.
He appealed to the international committee to lift the arm embargo and sanctions on South Sudan to enhance peace implementation.
He assured President Kiir that Djibouti remains committed to supporting South Sudan in its pursuit of lasting peace.
Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ramadan Mohammed Goc, reaffirmed President Kiir’s dedication to regional peace and stability.
Minister Goc added that as South Sudan prepares to assume the chairmanship of IGAD at the upcoming summit, adding that this milestone visit by the Djiboutian leader marks a decisive point in bolstering ties in the Horn of Africa.
However, during a sperate press briefing, Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, expressed that the IGAD remains committed to ensuring that peace is restored in the region.
“In regards to all the crises we have in Africa in terms of border encroachment violations, we have mechanisms by the African Union, peace and security, and we do have committee elders,” he said.
As candidate for the African Union Commission seat, he promised that when given power, he would be able to ensure that the AU Agenda 2063 is achieved.
The AU Agenda 2063 is Africa’s development blueprint to achieve inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development over a 50-year period.