On Thursday, President Salva Kiir held consultations with H.E. Dennis Francis, President of the United Nations General Assembly, to discuss matters pertaining to South Sudan’s sustainable development and electoral preparedness, with a view to fostering greater cooperation and support between the Government of South Sudan and the United Nations.
The Presidential Press Unit reported that Francis commended South Sudan for its hospitality in hosting refugees, acknowledging the country’s commitment to upholding humanitarian law and its selfless dedication to providing aid to those in distress.
The Unit also noted that, “Mr Francis emphasised the importance of inclusivity in South Sudan’s development efforts, highlighting the extraordinary potential of the country’s population and stressing the importance of investing in education and training to empower the people and drive positive changes within the nation.”
Dr. Elia Lomuro, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, expressed his appreciation for the visit, noting that it presented a propitious opportunity for the Government of South Sudan to engage in a comprehensive review of its sectoral progress, align its priorities with regional and international frameworks, and further strengthen its cooperation with the global community.
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Alongside this meeting, Ramadan Goc, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, engaged in a productive discussion with the UNGA president, focused on bolstering the collaborative relationship between South Sudan and the UN. Minister Goc expressed his sincere appreciation for Francis’ visit, recognizing the UN’s steadfast support and pivotal role in South Sudan’s liberation, state-building, and sustainable development endeavors.
Minister Goc also broached the topic of international sanctions, asserting that they impede South Sudan’s development and hinder its forward momentum. He underscored the government’s tireless efforts to secure the lifting of the arms embargo, emphasizing the significant milestone achieved through the successful unification of former rival factions within the government.
Mr. Francis expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm welcome and reaffirmed the UN’s continued commitment to maintaining a robust presence in South Sudan.
He commended the government’s progressive open border policy, which has facilitated the safe return of refugees and displaced individuals.
Additionally, Francis emphasized the crucial importance of conducting free, fair, and credible elections, underscoring their role as a cornerstone of democratic governance and a vital step towards consolidating peace and stability in South Sudan.
As South Sudan’s collaboration with the United Nations strengthens, concerted efforts are expected to be undertaken to solve existing difficulties and establish a brighter future for the South Sudanese people.
