Türkiye donates 75,000 military uniforms to South Sudan

The Turkish government on Thursday donated 75,000 army uniforms to South Sudan to support its peace process.

Erdem Mutaf, Turkish Ambassador to South Sudan said the donation of the first batch of military uniforms is a sign of strong support of Türkiye to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.

“This donation of mainly 75,000 military uniforms is the most important part of our assistance to South Sudan,” Mutaf said during handover ceremony at Juba International Airport.

The envoy described the contribution of 9 tons of military uniforms as one of the biggest military support that Türkiye has provided to a country on African continent so far.

“The total rate of this donation is 134 metric tons and today’s symbolic handover comprise only 9 metric tons   that were transported to Juba by Turkish military aircraft and the rest will be deliver in due time,” Mutaf said.

Brig. Gen. Abdullah Katirci, Representative of the Turkish Ministry of Defense, said the contribution will enhance bilateral relations between the two nations.

“I am sure that uniform to new unified forces will be an import contribution to the peace process in South Sudan. This contribution will enhance our bilateral relations,” Abdullah said.

Tut Gatluak, Presidential Advisory on Security Affairs, thanked Turkiye for the support which symbolizes the existing good relation between the two countries.

Angelina Teny, Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs said the contribution will help to encourage stability in the country.

“It is a big celebration for contribution of Republic of Türkiye to our peace and to creation of stability in our country, and I don’t call it a donation,” Teny said.

 “They are putting their hands together with us to ensure that peace stays in the Republic of South Sudan, we have signed the peace agreement and we must build on it and in order to do that it requires friends like Türkiye,” she added.