(JUBA) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan, Honourable Ambassador Monday Semaya K. Kumba, held a farewell meeting with H.E. Timo Olkkonen, outgoing Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to South Sudan, on 18 August 2025.
During the meeting, Kumba commended Ambassador Olkkonen for his service in advancing relations between South Sudan and the European Union and expressed appreciation for the EU’s ongoing support to the South Sudanese people.
Olkkonen thanked the Government of South Sudan, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, for close collaboration and constructive dialogue throughout his tenure. He reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting South Sudan on its path toward peace, stability and economic development.
Both parties emphasised the importance of their continued partnership and pledged to further deepen cooperation in the coming years. Minister Kumba wished Ambassador Olkkonen success in his future endeavours and assured him of South Sudan’s readiness to maintain strong collaboration with the European Union.
In a related development, Minister Kumba also addressed the return of Vice President H.E. Dr Benjamin Bol Mel from a three day working visit to the United Arab Emirates. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and explore new avenues of cooperation between South Sudan and the UAE.
| Event | Participants | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| EU Ambassador Farewell Meeting | Minister Kumba, Ambassador Olkkonen | Strengthened South Sudan-EU ties, reaffirmed cooperation |
| VP UAE Visit | Vice President Dr Benjamin Bol Mel | Enhanced bilateral engagement, explored new cooperation opportunities |