South Sudan Foreign & Int'l Cooperation Deputy Minister, Ethiopian Ambassador Hold Discussion

Addis Ababa, April 21/2021 (ENA) Ethiopia's Ambassador to South Sudan, Nabil Mahdi and South Sudan Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Deputy Minister Deng Dau have discussed bilateral and regional issues of common concern.

Ambassador Nabil briefed the deputy minister about the status of the negotiations over the GERD, the Ethiopia-Sudan border dispute, and the current situation in Tigray, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The discussion between the two sides included ways to further protect the rights of Ethiopian citizens residing in South Sudan.

The ambassador also expressed the interest of Ethiopian Airlines to engage in the aviation sector of South Sudan.

Deputy Minister Deng Dau on his part appreciated the longstanding relations between the two countries and underscored the need to further cement the ties with various engagements.

The return of Tigray into normalcy is encouraging news, he said, adding that South Sudan has followed its non-interference policy in the domestic affairs of countries; underscoring Ethiopia’s sovereign right to entertain matters of domestic nature without undue interference.

Dau noted that the AU-led process over GERD is a viable way to solve outstanding issues among the tripartite and appreciated Ethiopia’s stance to solve the border dispute with Sudan peacefully.

Speaking about the involvement of Ethiopian Airlines in the aviation sector of South Sudan, the deputy minister said his country is keen to draw the rich experiences of Fly Ethiopian.

He finally affirmed that the Government of South Sudan is committed to address the concerns of Ethiopian investors in the country.