Written by: Mohammed Omran
Dr. Badr Abdel-Aty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptians Abroad, met with Ambassador Dr. James Pitia Morgan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan, on Monday, June 1, on the sidelines of the Korea-Africa Ministerial Meeting. The meeting addressed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, follow up on the coordination and consultation between the two sides, as well as exchange views on enhancing regional cooperation in East Africa and the Horn of Africa.
The Foreign Minister discusses strengthening cooperation with South Sudan
Minister Abdel-Aati affirmed Egypt’s pride in the brotherly and historical relations that unite the two countries, pointing to the importance of continuing coordination and consultation between the two sides in a way that serves the common interests of the two brotherly peoples.
He also noted the keenness to raise the level of bilateral cooperation in various fields, especially in the areas of capacity building, training and technical cooperation, in addition to supporting development and infrastructure projects in South Sudan.
Regarding the Nile River issue, the Foreign Minister stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation and achieving mutual benefit among the Nile Basin countries in accordance with international law, particularly the principles of prior notification, consultation, non-harm, and rejection of unilateral actions.
Egypt affirmed its support for the Nile Basin Initiative and the ongoing consultative process within it to restore inclusivity, and its commitment to continued coordination with South Sudan in a way that enhances opportunities for consensus, preserves the sustainability of the river, protects its environment, and maximizes its resources as a source of cooperation and joint development for all Nile Basin countries.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the two ministers stressed the importance of continued coordination and joint consultation in order to strengthen bilateral relations, support regional security and stability, and achieve the common interests of the two brotherly peoples.
