Written by: Badr Ahmed

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar discussed with his South Sudanese counterpart, James Pitia Morgan, ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries during a meeting in Jerusalem. The meeting addressed joint cooperation files, as well as developments in the humanitarian situation resulting from the ongoing war in Sudan.

The talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations in a number of areas, in addition to reviewing the humanitarian aid that Israel provides to South Sudan, to support its efforts in dealing with the influx of thousands of refugees fleeing the ongoing war in Sudan, which has cast a shadow over the humanitarian situation in the neighboring country.

Israel and South Sudan discuss strengthening cooperation

During the meeting, the South Sudanese Foreign Minister described Israel as “South Sudan’s best friend in the world,” referring to the strong relations between the two countries, and emphasizing his country’s appreciation for the support provided by Israel over the past decades.

Morgan noted that the government of South Sudan recently awarded former Israeli soldier David Uri Ben-Uziel an official medal, in recognition of his historic role in supporting the rebel movement in South Sudan during the First Sudanese Civil War, which lasted from 1955 to 1972.

Ben-Uziel, who worked on assignments for the Israeli intelligence agency (Mossad), is one of the figures whose name has been associated with the military and logistical support that Israel provided to the southern rebels during their quest for self-rule, decades before South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011.

The meeting reflects the continued political rapprochement between Israel and South Sudan, at a time when Juba is facing increasing humanitarian and security challenges as a result of the influx of Sudanese refugees, in addition to the economic burdens associated with hosting them.

The meeting also highlights the interest of both sides in expanding areas of cooperation, whether in the humanitarian field or in the development and security sectors, in light of South Sudan’s efforts to strengthen its international partnerships to confront internal and regional challenges.

This move comes at a time when the Horn of Africa and East Africa are witnessing rapid developments, making cooperation between regional countries and international partners one of the most prominent issues on South Sudan’s foreign policy agenda.