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President Kiir returns to Juba

By Lodu William Odiya

 

President, Salva Kiir Mayardit has returned to the country after an official visit to United Arab Emirates.

The head of state was received at Juba international Airport by the vice president for Economic cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel along with a number of cabinet ministers and other senior government officials.

An earlier statement from office of the president indicated the UAE visit was to discuss bilateral matters and articulate the role of South Sudan during this politically and security turbulent time.

The president also aimed to discuss with UAE leadership, the need to support peaceful dialogue for resolving ongoing conflict in Sudan which has impacted neighboring countries, including South Sudan.

In May, Sudan’s military-led government severed diplomatic ties with the UAE, accusing it of arming the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and fueling the ongoing war.

His previous visit to Abu Dhabi in February saw him and his delegation holding talks with United Arab Emirates’ businesses and officials, focusing on enhancing cooperation in economic, Agricultural, energy and infrastructure sectors.

South Sudan and the United Arab Emirates maintains diplomatic and trade relations, with the bay nation proving humanitarian aid to the conflict affected East African Countries.

South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, had been struggling with political instability and economic challenges.

Kiir’s administration has been seeking foreign investment opportunities to revive the nation’s oil dependent economy.

On June 22, President left Juba for the United Arab Emirates on an official diplomatic visit, according to the president’s office.

Although the trip was expected to be briefed it was prolonged by the abrupt conflict between Israel and Iran that resulted to the booming of some party of Qatar a move that cause closure of airport.

Despite safety assurances by UAE government and South Sudan embassy, citizens back home were worried.

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