[Foreign Affairs Brief] – South Sudanese Diplomats Secure Turkish Scholarships

(JUBA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has presented its third weekly press briefing, outlining the country’s ongoing diplomatic engagements and foreign policy priorities.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit met Vice President Josephine Joseph Lagu, who chairs the Service Cluster, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Monday Semaya Kumba, before their departure to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The gathering, held under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights,” will see Vice President Lagu represent South Sudan in discussions focused on peace, cooperation and sustainable growth.

The ministry said its agenda continues to follow the guidance of the President in strengthening ties and addressing national priorities.

Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programmes, Adut Salva Kiir, also met the leadership of the ministry, including the Deputy Minister Akuei Bona Malwal, the Acting Undersecretary Majak Philemon, and departmental directors, to review key objectives.

Minister Monday Semaya Kumba held a series of meetings during the week. He met Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and UN Resident Coordinator in South Sudan, to discuss humanitarian aid, the safe return of citizens from Sudan, political developments, and the impact of climate change.

Further discussions with the Head of Mission of South Africa looked at expanding cooperation in training and technical exchange. The Minister also hosted South Sudanese diplomats awarded doctoral scholarships by Türkiye and emphasised the importance of strengthening the country’s diplomatic capacity.

In a separate meeting with Johnny Graham-Maitland, Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for UNMISS, the Minister reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to the full implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement and the need to enhance governance and development.

Consultations with Transport Minister Lam Akol Ajawin focused on South Sudan’s participation in the 42nd Session of the International Civil Aviation Organisation General Assembly in Montreal, including preparations for the Council elections.

The Minister also met Francis Amin, President of the South Sudan Football Federation, and highlighted the role of sports diplomacy in youth empowerment, national unity, and international representation.

Deputy Minister Akuei Bona Malwal undertook further meetings, including discussions with Major General Robert Yaw Affram of UNISFA, which centred on the security situation in Abyei. Talks with the African Development Bank delegation led by Themba Bhebhe reviewed energy and infrastructure projects.

The Deputy Minister also met Egyptian Ambassador Hazem Mamdouh Fawzy on expanding bilateral cooperation, while credentials were presented by the Ambassador-Designate of Egypt and Pelle Enarsson, the European Union’s Ambassador-Designate, both of whom await formal accreditation.

Israel’s Ambassador Gershon Kedar also held talks in Juba on expanding cooperation in education, humanitarian aid and capacity building.

In a related development, South Sudan’s new Ambassador to Israel, Mou Mou Ring, presented his credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv. He passed on greetings from President Salva Kiir and reaffirmed South Sudan’s intent to build closer ties with Israel.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs closed the briefing by expressing appreciation to the media and pledged continued openness in its communication with the public.

Selected Foreign Engagements of the Week