Al-Khuraiji and the President of South Sudan: Strengthening relations at the heart of the region's challenges
In a significant diplomatic move, His Excellency Lieutenant General Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, received His Excellency Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the Presidential Palace in Juba on Monday. This meeting took place during an official visit by Al-Khuraiji to South Sudan, aimed at strengthening cooperation and discussing issues of mutual interest.
At the outset of the meeting, His Excellency Engineer Al-Khuraiji conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister – may God protect them – to His Excellency President Salva Kiir, expressing their wishes for the Republic of South Sudan and its people to enjoy continued progress and prosperity. The meeting included a comprehensive review of bilateral relations between the Kingdom and South Sudan, and ways to support and develop them in various fields, in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and their friendly peoples.
Regional context and importance of the visit
This visit is of particular importance given the challenges facing the Horn of Africa and East Africa. Since its independence in 2011, the Republic of South Sudan, the world's newest nation, has been striving to consolidate its stability and achieve sustainable development. Saudi Arabia, with its political and economic weight, plays a pivotal role in supporting peace and stability efforts across the African continent, including its active role in the talks concerning the crisis in neighboring Sudan.
This meeting is seen as part of a broader Saudi strategy to strengthen partnerships with African nations, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify international partnerships. The stability of South Sudan is not only of local importance but is also a fundamental element of the security and stability of the entire region, particularly with regard to the security of the Red Sea, which is a strategic priority for the Kingdom.
Expected impact and prospects for cooperation
This meeting is expected to open new horizons for economic and investment cooperation between the two countries. South Sudan possesses promising natural resources, particularly in the oil and agriculture sectors, while the Kingdom has the expertise and capital necessary to contribute to the development of these sectors. The latest regional and international developments were also discussed, and positions were coordinated to enhance international peace and security.
The reception was attended by the Director General of the General Department for African Affairs, Mr. Saqr Al-Qurashi, underscoring the institutional commitment of the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs to developing its relations with African nations. These high-level discussions demonstrate the keenness of both countries' leadership to advance bilateral relations to a higher level of strategic partnership that benefits all and contributes to regional prosperity.
