Daijiworld Media Network - Juba
Juba, Dec 5: India and South Sudan held their first-ever Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Juba, marking a significant step in strengthening diplomatic engagement between the two nations. During the talks, both sides reviewed the full range of bilateral cooperation, including capacity building, health, human resource development, trade, vocational training, and people-to-people ties. They also discussed new avenues to further enhance the partnership.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday, officials from both countries expressed satisfaction with ongoing collaborations and agreed to maintain regular high-level exchanges and institutional dialogues. The two sides also shared perspectives on regional developments and reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination at the United Nations and other multilateral platforms.
The Indian delegation was led by Dr. M. Suresh Kumar, Joint Secretary (WANA), while the South Sudanese delegation was headed by Ambassador Philip Jada Natana, Director General for Bilateral Relations. The discussions were held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the longstanding friendly relations between the two nations.
During his visit, Dr. Suresh Kumar also met several senior leaders of South Sudan, including:
• James Wani Igga, Vice President and Chief of Economic Cluster
• Monday Semaya Kenneth Kumba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
• Martin Abucha, Minister of Mining
• Onyoti Adigo Nyikec, Minister of Livestock & Fisheries
• Ambassador Akuei Bona Malwal, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
In these meetings, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to building on progress achieved since the establishment of diplomatic relations. They also agreed to explore new opportunities for cooperation across a wide range of sectors. It was mutually decided that the next round of FOC will take place in New Delhi at a convenient date.
India and South Sudan share warm and friendly relations. South Sudan became an independent nation on July 9, 2011, following a referendum earlier that year. India was among the first countries to recognise the new nation, with then–Vice President Hamid Ansari representing India at the independence celebrations in Juba. India’s Consulate in Juba, opened in 2007, was upgraded to an Embassy in 2012, and South Sudan established its Embassy in New Delhi the same year.