Kiir and Sudan’s Malik Hold Talks on Trade and Security Cooperation

(JUBA) – President Salva Kiir Mayardit met on Monday with Malik Agar Eyre, the Deputy Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, to explore ways of deepening cooperation between South Sudan and Sudan, with an emphasis on economic development and regional security.

The meeting took place in Juba and was attended by senior officials from both countries. It forms part of ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two neighbours, who share historical ties, economic interests and common security challenges.

Speaking to the press after the talks, South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Monday Semaya Kumba, said the discussions focused on expanding the scope of bilateral trade and investment.

According to the minister, the two sides reviewed opportunities for increased cross border trade, infrastructure links and joint investment projects that could boost growth in both countries.

“The talks centred on strengthening comprehensive economic relations between South Sudan and Sudan,” Kumba said.

He noted that the Sudanese delegation briefed President Kiir on Khartoum’s current political and economic climate, as well as the security situation within Sudan’s borders.

The minister added that the leaders also discussed the wider regional peace and security landscape, given that instability in either country can have direct effects on the other.

“We assured our brothers and sisters in Sudan of Juba’s unwavering commitment to peaceful cooperation and common development,” Kumba stated.

South Sudan’s government has repeatedly said that stability in Sudan is critical for its own peace and economic recovery, especially given their shared border and interlinked oil infrastructure.

Oil remains a major source of revenue for both nations, and much of Sudan’s crude production is exported through South Sudan’s pipeline network.

The Sudanese Ambassador to South Sudan, Issam Mohammed Hassan Karrar, who was present at the meeting, told reporters that Sudan is committed to strengthening ties with Juba across multiple areas, including trade, agriculture, transport and defence cooperation.

“We are ready to work closely with South Sudan in all sectors for the benefit of our peoples,” Karrar said.

There was no mention of specific agreements signed. However, officials acknowledged that cross border crime, armed group movements, and refugee flows remain challenges requiring coordinated responses. Joint patrols, intelligence sharing and enhanced border monitoring were among the measures discussed.

South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the meeting was part of a series of engagements aimed at improving diplomatic and economic relations with Sudan and other regional partners, in line with Juba’s broader foreign policy objective of promoting regional peace and economic integration.