President Kiir, Cyril to meet in Juba for bilateral talks

By John Agok

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa is expected in Juba in the coming few days to meet with his counterpart President Salva Kiir to continue their bilateral talks geared towards assessing the implementation of South Sudan’s 2018 peace deal, (R-ARCSS) according to president Kiir’s office.

Speaking to Media upon arrival at Juba International Airport (JIA) Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin said bilateral talks conducted in South Africa was successful adding that in a few days to come, President Cyril Ramaphosa will be in Juba.

“President Ramaphosa will also come and explore areas of mutual interest especially in economic opportunities to invest in energy, Agriculture and other service sectors.” Said Dr. Benjamin.

He said president Kiir’s discussion with president Cyril Ramaphosa focused on three issues of economic opportunities, issues concerning sanctions on South Sudan and investment on energy and service sectors.

Dr. Marial Benjamin said, “South Africa can invest in many sectors in South Sudan given the fact that South Africa has good infrastructure and technology and we have here a lot of investment opportunities especially in agriculture, minerals, energy and service sector.”

Dr. Benjamin said, president Cyril Ramaphosa pledged to work closely with South Sudan to try and talk to the United Nations to lift the arms embargo imposed against South Sudan.

“The two leaders agreed to engage UN in an effort to lift sanctions against South Sudan and this will enable the R-ARCSS (South Sudan’s 2018 peace deal) implementation speed up especially in areas of security reform.” Continued Dr. Benjamin.