Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty affirmed that stability in South Sudan represents a fundamental pillar for supporting security and stability in East Africa and the Horn of Africa as a whole.
The remarks came during a meeting held on Sunday between Abdelatty and a South Sudanese delegation headed by Monday Semaya Kumba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan.
During the meeting, Minister Abdelatty received a written message addressed to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi from President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, focusing on bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, the official spokesperson for Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s full support for all efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in South Sudan, noting that the discussions covered the latest developments on the ground.
The Egyptian foreign minister listened to his South Sudanese counterpart’s vision for the upcoming phase, including anticipated political milestones, and stressed the importance of supporting the transitional process. He underlined the need to encourage dialogue among all South Sudanese parties, bridge differences, prioritize national interests, and create a conducive environment for conducting political processes in a consensual and peaceful atmosphere.
Abdelatty also emphasized the importance of maximizing the benefits of support provided by the international community and regional organizations to ensure lasting stability.
On bilateral ties, the spokesperson said that Abdelatty highlighted Cairo’s strong commitment to advancing relations with South Sudan across various fields in a way that serves the mutual interests of both nations.
Regarding the Nile River, Abdelatty stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation among Nile Basin countries in accordance with international law, particularly the principles of prior notification, consultation, consensus, and the obligation not to cause harm. He reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) as the inclusive technical and institutional framework for cooperation among basin states.
The Egyptian side commended South Sudan’s role within the NBI, particularly its participation in the small consultative committee, and called for building on the progress achieved so far to complete the consultative process. Abdelatty stressed that reaching a consensus that respects the interests of all Nile Basin countries, in line with international law, would enhance prospects for long-term institutional cooperation and ensure the sustainability of the Nile as a source of cooperation rather than conflict.
In closing, Ambassador Khallaf noted that Abdelatty underscored the importance of continued consultation and coordination between Egypt and South Sudan in the coming period through mutual visits, aimed at strengthening trust and expanding bilateral cooperation to broader horizons.
Follow the latest news on Google News
