(JUBA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has issued its third weekly press briefing, with a strong focus on international partnerships that link directly to South Sudan’s business, trade, and development interests.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit held a meeting with Vice President Josephine Joseph Lagu and Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba before their departure to the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. The event, which carries the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights,” will provide South Sudan with a platform to push for greater international cooperation on peace, development finance, and sustainable growth.
The ministry said that its diplomatic engagements during the week targeted areas critical to the country’s economic and social future. Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programmes, Adut Salva Kiir, reviewed the Ministry’s priorities with senior officials, focusing on how to strengthen links with international partners to support national goals.
Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba met several international representatives. A discussion with Anita Kiki Gbeho, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and UN Resident Coordinator, examined humanitarian assistance and the return of displaced citizens from Sudan. Climate change and political stability were also part of the talks, with potential implications for investment and aid flows into South Sudan.
Talks with the South African Mission focused on training, skills development, and technical exchange. The minister also welcomed South Sudanese diplomats who have been awarded doctoral scholarships by Türkiye, which the ministry sees as an investment in building stronger capacity for foreign and economic policy.
In a meeting with Johnny Graham-Maitland, Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for UNMISS, the minister reaffirmed South Sudan’s position on implementing the Revitalised Peace Agreement. A stable political environment is considered essential for attracting both foreign investment and aid.
Transport and aviation were also on the agenda. The minister consulted with Transport Minister Lam Akol Ajawin about South Sudan’s participation in the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organisation General Assembly in Montreal, where South Sudan will take part in Council elections. This engagement is expected to improve the country’s position in global aviation governance and enhance opportunities for international connectivity and trade.
Sports also featured in the week’s discussions. The minister met Francis Amin, President of the South Sudan Football Federation, and expressed support for using sports as a platform for international cooperation and youth empowerment. Sports events are increasingly seen as having potential business and sponsorship opportunities that connect South Sudan to global networks.
Deputy Minister Akuei Bona Malwal received Major General Robert Yaw Affram of UNISFA to discuss security in Abyei. He also met a delegation from the African Development Bank led by Themba Bhebhe. Their talks centred on infrastructure and energy, with both parties recognising that improved power supply and transport links are critical to business growth and job creation.
Deputy Minister Akuei also met Egyptian Ambassador Hazem Mamdouh Fawzy on expanding cooperation across political, economic, and social areas. Ambassadors from Egypt and the European Union formally presented their credentials, a step towards closer political and economic engagement.
Further, Minister Monday Semaya Kumba met Israeli Ambassador Gershon Kedar to discuss cooperation in education, humanitarian support, and development. In Tel Aviv, South Sudan’s Ambassador Mou Mou Ring presented his credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, reaffirming ties and underlining opportunities for trade, investment, and technology exchange between the two countries.
The Ministry closed its briefing by thanking the media and noting that transparent communication with the public and international partners will remain central to South Sudan’s foreign policy.
Major Economic and Development Engagements this Week
| Partner / Institution | Main Focus | Economic or Business Impact |
|---|---|---|
| United Nations (UNMISS, UN Resident Coordinator) | Humanitarian aid, returnees, stability | Supports aid flows and investor confidence |
| South Africa | Training and skills development | Improves workforce and technical skills |
| Türkiye | Scholarships for diplomats | Strengthens policy and negotiation capacity |
| ICAO (Montreal Assembly) | Aviation governance, Council elections | Enhances trade and connectivity |
| African Development Bank | Infrastructure and energy | Expands power supply and business growth |
| Egypt | Political, social, economic cooperation | Wider trade and investment partnerships |
| Israel | Education, development, technology | Opens investment and tech opportunities |