Turkey and South Sudan Discuss Investment and Trade Opportunities (Video)

(JUBA) – South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has placed trade, energy and investment at the centre of its recent diplomatic activities, highlighting the country’s focus on economic diplomacy as part of its foreign policy.

During the ministry’s second weekly media press briefing of 2025, it was confirmed that President Salva Kiir Mayardit travelled to Ethiopia to attend the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). On the sidelines of the event in Addis Ababa, he held bilateral talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Discussions covered regional trade, infrastructure development, cross border cooperation and energy supply. Officials noted that one of the central priorities for Juba is negotiating access to electricity from Ethiopia to address South Sudan’s chronic power shortages.

Kiir also met the Presidents of Kenya, Djibouti and Somalia, as well as the Prime Ministers of Barbados and Eswatini, with the aim of strengthening economic and political ties. In addition, he chaired meetings in Juba with the Ad Hoc National Border Committee, which is expected to have direct implications for cross border trade and investment flows.

The Ministry reported that Foreign Minister Amb. Monday Semaya K. Kumba held consultations with senior officials to align bilateral and multilateral commitments with South Sudan’s reform agenda. Deputy Minister Amb. Akuei Bona Malwal returned from Ankara following high level talks with Turkish officials. These discussions focused on investment opportunities, trade expansion, development cooperation and capacity building, signalling Turkey’s growing interest in the South Sudanese market.

Undersecretary Hon. Amb. Agnes Adrino Orifa Oswaha also met with senior diplomatic staff to review the practical implementation of foreign policy objectives. She later held a session with a technical team from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to explore regional cooperation opportunities. The ministry leadership also engaged ambassadors and representatives of international organisations accredited to South Sudan to promote investment and business partnerships.

The ministry confirmed preparations for its upcoming Joint High Level Coordination Meeting with the Government of South Sudan and United Nations agencies, expected to focus on humanitarian and development coordination. Business analysts say these talks could open opportunities for private sector participation in development projects, particularly in infrastructure and services.

On consular affairs, the ministry facilitated the repatriation of Mexican national Jesús Muñoz-Gutiérrez on 6 September. He had been deported from the United States to Juba earlier in July. The handover to the Mexican government was confirmed with assurances of fair and humane treatment. In addition, the ministry is coordinating the repatriation of six other foreign nationals and continues to work on the safe return of South Sudanese deported from countries such as the United States, Egypt and Libya.

Of particular business relevance, the ministry announced that it is arranging the return of 27 young people from Eastern Equatoria State currently detained in Muzzan prison in Ethiopia. Officials noted that resolving such cases not only upholds consular obligations but also restores skilled and potential labour force back into South Sudan’s economy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded its briefing by reaffirming its commitment to economic diplomacy, open communication and the advancement of South Sudan’s national interests across regional, continental and global platforms.

Economic Focus of Diplomatic Engagements