Cairo backs South Sudan’s efforts to achieve peace: FM

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said in a meeting Friday with South Sudan’s First Vice President Taban Deng Gai that Egypt supports the African country’s efforts to achieve peace and security, according to a foreign ministry statement.

Shoukry, who met with Gai on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, affirmed his country’s “historic relationship” with South Sudan, which he said was “reflected in the successful visit by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir to Cairo in January.”

Shoukry also highlighted Egyptian development projects in South Sudan, including a solar power plant in Juba and two fish farms in Juba and Wau, with both projects valued at $10 million.

Shoukry stressed that Egypt supports the peace agreement between Juba and rebel forces under its current terms at the UN Security Council and the African Union’s Peace and Security Council.

Gai expressed his country’s appreciation for Egypt’s efforts in organising an operation earlier this year to airlift 100 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the South Sudanese people.

Gai also discussed with Shoukry his country’s latest efforts to achieve national unity through a national dialogue and efforts implement a peace agreement signed in August 2015.

Source: Ahram Online