President Kiir, Saudi delegation discuss bilateral relations, regional stability
By Emmanuel Mandella
South Sudan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have trained their eyes on deepening diplomatic and economic relations following high-level discussions between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and a Saudi delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Waleed bin Abdulkarim.
The meeting, held in Juba on Wednesday (yesterday), focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing key regional issues, including the peace process in Sudan.
Speaking to the media after the discussions, Waleed bin Abdulkarim emphasized the commitment of both nations to enhancing relations.
“We explored ways to bolster our cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, and infrastructure development,” he said.
South Sudan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Monday Semaya Kumba, highlighted the significance of the engagement, stating that the dialogue underscored Juba and Riyadh’s shared interest on regional peace and stability.
President Kiir welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the longstanding partnership between the two nations. “Saudi Arabia has been a key partner in our development journey, and we are keen to expand our collaboration for the benefit of our people,” he said.
The strengthening of ties between South Sudan and Saudi Arabia is expected to open avenues for economic investment, trade expansion, and infrastructural development. The meeting also signals Juba’s increasing engagement with regional and global partners to secure economic opportunities and reinforce peace efforts in East Africa.
As South Sudan navigates economic challenges, closer ties with Saudi Arabia among other development partners could present new opportunities for job creation, business growth, and infrastructure advancement—bringing tangible benefits to citizens in both countries.
