President Kiir Returns from Ethiopia Visit, Highlights Strengthened Bilateral Relations

(JUBA) — Salva Kiir Mayardit has returned to Juba on Saturday afternoon following an official state visit to Addis Ababa, undertaken at the invitation of Abiy Ahmed.

Speaking upon arrival at Juba International Airport, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Monday Semaya Kumba described the visit as strategic, successful and historic.

During the trip, President Kiir held extensive discussions with Prime Minister Abiy focusing on political developments, economic cooperation and regional security. The leaders also reviewed South Sudan’s internal progress including preparations for upcoming elections and reaffirmed their commitment to peace, development and institutional reform.

The visit yielded tangible diplomatic outcomes, including the allocation of land in Addis Ababa for the construction of South Sudan’s embassy. In a reciprocal arrangement, South Sudan pledged to allocate land in Juba for Ethiopia’s diplomatic mission.

Both sides further explored opportunities for collaboration in key sectors such as infrastructure, trade, the oil industry and transportation, signaling a shared ambition to deepen economic integration.

Minister Kumba conveyed President Kiir’s appreciation to the Ethiopian government and its people for their warm hospitality, noting that the visit marked a renewed commitment by both nations to advance political, economic and regional cooperation.