By Kei Emmanuel Duku
President Salva Kiir Mayardit departed Juba on Saturday afternoon for an official diplomatic visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the primary goal of strengthening bilateral relations and securing vital economic partnerships.
Prior to the President’s departure, Press Secretary in the office of President, Ambassador David Amuor Majur confirmed that President Kiir is scheduled to meet with senior Emirati officials in Abu Dhabi. The core of the discussions will focus on expanding trade partnerships and attracting investors to capitalize on available opportunities in the Republic of South Sudan.
Ambassador Amuor emphasized that the visit underscores the mutual commitment of South Sudan and the UAE to deepening their ties and pursuing shared objectives in economic development and sustainable growth.
President Kiir Mission is seen as a key step in South Sudan’s strategy to diversify its economy and integrate more closely with leading global markets.
The diplomatic mission to the UAE comes as South Sudan continues efforts to rebuild its economy and stabilize its internal political situation following the 2018 peace agreement. The UAE has increasingly become a critical economic and humanitarian partner for the East African nation.
South Sudan is seeking investment in key sectors beyond oil, including agriculture, mining, infrastructure, and tourism. The UAE, a major global trade and financial hub, is viewed as an ideal source of capital and expertise for these development projects.
This visit follows a series of recent high-level engagements that have sought to formalize economic cooperation. Both countries have expressed interest in signing agreements related to Double Taxation and the Protection of Investments to create a more attractive environment for Emirati businesses.
The visit also aligns with the broader regional strategy of strengthening ties with Gulf States, which have become influential players in African development and securing strong bilateral ties with the UAE is strategically important for South Sudan’s long-term stability and growth.