Ethiopian prime minister holds bilateral talks with Kiir

By Adia Jildo

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali held bilateral talks with his South Sudan counterpart Salva Kiir Mayardit.

The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Deng Dau Deng Malek said the meeting focused on bilateral relations with regional dimensions and the progress of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.

“The two leaders held meeting on bilateral matters with regional dimension including the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement,” Dau told journalists in Juba.

He said South Sudan and Ethiopia have historic ties and both countries are keen to ensure peace and stability prevails in South Sudan.

Dau said the two neighboring countries share the second largest border in the region, hence the need for close cooperation.

Prime Minister Ahmed also met with First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny where they discussed challenges hindering the implementation of the peace agreement.

Ethiopian State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Misganu Arega said that the two leaders exchanged views on matters of bilateral relations and regional stability.

“Ethiopia plays a particular importance to the peace and stability of this country and stands committed to the peaceful resolutions of issues,” Arega said.