The president, who joined several African heads of state and dignitaries for the landmark ceremony, landed at Juba International Airport on Wednesday afternoon.
He was received by the Vice President and Chairman of the Economic Cluster, Benjamin Bol Mel, alongside senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.
During his stay in Addis Ababa, Kiir held a private meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday morning before his departure from Bole International Airport.
The two leaders reportedly discussed a wide range of issues, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations between South Sudan and Ethiopia.
A statement issued by the Office of the President said the discussions centred on enhancing cooperation in key sectors, including trade, regional security, infrastructure, and energy.
The talks highlighted the growing importance of economic and political collaboration between the two neighbors, who share deep historical and cultural ties.
While addressing participants at the GERD inauguration ceremony, Kiir lauded Ethiopia’s achievement, describing the dam as “a symbol of unity, sacrifice, and determination.”
He noted that the massive hydropower project demonstrated what a nation could accomplish when its citizens work together with a shared vision.
Significantly, Kiir revealed that South Sudan intends to finalise a power purchase agreement with Ethiopia, paving the way for Juba to import electricity from the GERD.
This move would revive plans first announced in 2022, which have since stalled due to technical and political hurdles.
Officials in Juba believe access to affordable electricity from Ethiopia could spur industrialisation and reduce the country’s heavy reliance on diesel-powered generators.
The Office of the President also noted that the two leaders exchanged views on the broader security situation in the Horn of Africa. Both Kiir and Abiy reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and diplomatic engagement as the most viable means of addressing regional conflicts and maintaining stability.
Observers view Kiir’s participation at the GERD inauguration as more than a symbolic gesture. At a time when Egypt and Sudan remain vocal critics of Ethiopia’s management of the Nile waters, Juba’s warm embrace of Addis Ababa underscores South Sudan’s willingness to deepen ties with its northern neighbour despite the sensitivities involved.
President Kiir was accompanied on the trip by several senior officials, including his daughter Adut Salva Kiir, who serves as the Presidential Envoy on Special Programs, and Monday Semaya Kumba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The visit, the presidency says, marked another important step in South Sudan’s efforts to diversify its partnerships within the region and position itself as a constructive player in East African affairs.
