His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit has returned to Juba following an official and productive visit to the Republic of South Africa.
His Excellency the President was received at Juba International Airport by a large crowded of youths and women who expressed their support to the outcomes of the successful visit of the President and his accompanying delegation to South Africa.
The visit served as a direct follow-up to the C5 Plus engagement chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa, with a strong focus on advancing peace implementation, elections, and bilateral cooperation.
Engagements during the visit were conducted at two levels. At the Head of State level, both sides reaffirmed the key C5 Plus resolutions: no extension of the transitional period, proceeding with elections as scheduled, continued dialogue on election-related issues, and respect for the non-interference of judicial processes. At the bilateral level, discussions focused on revitalizing the Cooperation Agreement to deepen relations across priority sectors.
H.E. the President of the Republic of South Sudan and his delegation held high-level meetings with H.E. President Cyril Ramaphos, Deputy President Paul Mashatile and senior South African officials, including the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs’ Africa Desk, as well as international relations advisors and facilitation teams supporting South Sudan.
The discussions placed strong emphasis on the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, inclusive dialogue, and preparations for credible elections. President Kiir reiterated South Sudan’s readiness to proceed with elections, reaffirming his commitment to peace, security, and democratic progress.
Economic cooperation remained central, with opportunities identified in mining, aviation, agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, and oil, alongside plans for a South Africa–South Sudan Business Summit in Juba. In addition, closed door sessions between both sides addressed detailed areas of mutual interest and mapped out clear next steps for implementation.
Relations between South Africa and South Sudan were formalized with the signing of an agreement establishing bilateral relations in 2012, followed by the General Cooperation Agreement (CGA) in 2013. These fraternal relations are founded on longstanding ties that pre-date South Sudan’s independence.
The Government considers the visit highly successful, with concrete implementation priorities and sustained follow-up engagements now underway. President Kiir expressed sincere appreciation to the Government and people of South Africa for their warm hospitality and reaffirmed the growing sisterly relations between the two nations.
His Excellency the President returns home encouraged and fully committed to delivering on these outcomes for the people of South Sudan.
Credit: Office of the president Republic of South Sudan
