EU Ambassador Concludes Tenure in South Sudan

(JUBA) – The Government of South Sudan has recently hosted two significant diplomatic engagements, reinforcing its international relations with the European Union and neighbouring Sudan.

On 12 August 2025, Honorable Ambassador Akuei Bona Malwal, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, received H.E. Mr Timo Olkkonen, the outgoing European Union Ambassador to South Sudan, during a farewell visit in Juba.

During the meeting, Deputy Minister Akuei expressed gratitude for Ambassador Olkkonen’s dedicated service and his role in strengthening EU-South Sudan relations.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the European Union’s contributions to peacebuilding initiatives, governance reforms, humanitarian aid and economic development, noting their positive impact on the people of South Sudan.

In response, Ambassador Olkkonen thanked the Government and people of South Sudan for their hospitality and cooperation. He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting South Sudan in its pursuit of peace, stability and sustainable development.

Both parties emphasised the importance of sustaining and further deepening the robust relationship between South Sudan and the European Union. Akuei extended best wishes to Ambassador Olkkonen for his future endeavours.

Earlier on the same day, Honorable Ambassador Monday Semaya K. Kumba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, bid farewell at Juba International Airport to H.E. Malik Agar, Deputy Chairman of the Sovereign Council of the Republic of Sudan.

This concluded a two day diplomatic mission in which the two delegations engaged in what was reported as constructive discussions.