(JUBA) – The South Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, Sharren Miriam Haskel-Harpaz, made a one day official visit to Juba on 13 August 2025, only a day before the ministry denied reports of talks between the two countries on the possible resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza.
The ministry’s official social media page posted the update at 2:05 pm on Thursday, 14 August, accompanied by a photograph of Ms Haskel-Harpaz at Juba International Airport. She was seen being formally seen off by South Sudan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Akuei Bona Malwal, at the conclusion of her trip.
According to the ministry, the visit was described as a working mission aimed at “strengthening bilateral relations, exploring areas of mutual cooperation, and reaffirming the commitment of both nations to advancing diplomatic and development partnerships.” No further details were provided about the specific subjects discussed during the engagements.
The timing of the visit has attracted attention as it comes during heightened scrutiny of South Sudan’s recent diplomatic engagements with Israel. On 13 August, the ministry issued a public statement rejecting reports by the Associated Press and PBS that South Sudan had engaged in discussions with Israel on accepting Palestinian refugees from Gaza. The reports had cited unnamed diplomatic sources, prompting questions from civil society and political observers about the government’s position and transparency.
Diplomatic observer Ajak Deng Chiengkou said that while the ministry has the right to conduct bilateral talks, it should ensure that the public is informed of the scope and purpose of such visits, especially when they coincide with sensitive international developments.
“Given South Sudan’s strategic vulnerabilities, clarity and openness are essential to avoid misunderstandings that could have long-term implications,” Ajak said.
The ministry has not stated whether the one day visit by Ms Haskel-Harpaz was related in any way to the matters raised in the disputed media reports. Officials have also not confirmed whether Parliament or any oversight body was briefed about the visit before it took place.
South Sudan and Israel have maintained formal diplomatic relations since 2011, with cooperation spanning agriculture, water management, infrastructure, and security. Trade between the two countries remains limited but has included agricultural technology and training programmes.
The ministry’s own account of the visit focused on broad diplomatic and development themes without reference to migration or resettlement.
