On December 4, 2024, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and Sudan’s General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan met to discuss cooperation on oil, trade, and border security. The leaders aim to strengthen bilateral relations amidst ongoing conflicts in Sudan. Officials expressed optimism for enhanced ties and effective management of mutual interests.
On December 4, 2024, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, the Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council, convened in Juba to discuss matters of mutual interest, notably oil, trade, and border security. They reached an agreement to enhance cooperative efforts and strengthen bilateral relations between their nations. After the discussions, Majak Filmon Majok, the Undersecretary for South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs ministry, expressed optimism regarding the visit’s potential to bolster ties that benefit both countries.
The meeting was described as an extension of the strong relations between South Sudan and Sudan, addressing common challenges and focusing on various cooperation files. Sudan’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Lt. Gen. Issam-Eddin Karar, emphasized that the discussions were constructive and would positively influence collaborative efforts. Furthermore, Ambassador Hussein Al-Amin of Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs illuminated that the visit of Al-Burhan was part of ongoing dialogues aimed at enhancing the relationship between the two leaders, highlighting the critical issues at stake, particularly the ongoing conflict in Sudan involving the SAF and RSF forces.
In attendance were several senior officials, including Sudan’s Minister of Energy and Oil, Dr. Mohi-Eddin El-Naeem, and the Director General of Sudan’s General Intelligence Service, General Ahmed Ibrahim Mufaddal, underscoring the significance of the discussions held. Al-Burhan took this opportunity to inform President Kiir about the prevailing situation in Sudan, detailing developments in military operations amid the country’s tumultuous security landscape.
This meeting between leaders from South Sudan and Sudan is set against a backdrop of historical ties and shared challenges. Both nations have faced significant obstacles in their relations, particularly concerning border security and economic collaboration. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has created a complex environment that necessitates heightened diplomatic engagement. Therefore, President Kiir’s discussions with General Al-Burhan reflect an ongoing effort to address these issues and improve the welfare of their respective populations through cooperative initiatives in critical sectors such as oil production and trade, as well as security management along their borders.
In conclusion, the recent meeting between President Salva Kiir and General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan marks a pivotal step towards enhancing cooperation between South Sudan and Sudan. The discussions surrounding oil, trade, and border security underscore the mutual interests and shared challenges faced by both nations. There is optimism that this engagement will foster stronger bilateral relations that benefit the citizens of both countries during a time of profound regional instability.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
