South Sudan will ‘stand by Ethiopia in any situation’ – vice president

JUBA – South Sudan Vice President Taban Deng Gai has reiterated his country’s support for neighboring Ethiopia, saying his government will, in any situation, stand by Ethiopia, highlighting important role the Ethiopian government played during the liberation struggle.

Taban who is also the chair of the government’s infrastructure cluster made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Ethiopian delegation led by the Ethiopian defense minister, Dr. Abraham Belay, who pledged continued support to South Sudan peace implementation on Tuesday.

According to a statement by the Ethiopian embassy, Dr. Belay “held discussions with H.E Taban Deng, Vice President (Chairman of the Infrastructural Cluster) and Hon. Tut Gatluak, H.E. President Salva Kiir’s Security Affairs Advisor.”

“Following the Minister’s briefings on the current affairs of Ethiopia, the South Sudanese high officials have reaffirmed their Country’s firm stance to stand by the side of Ethiopia in any situation,” the embassy statement seen by Sudans Post reads in part.

It said that the Ethiopian delegation and the vice-president “exchanged views with regard to peace and security affairs of the region and underscored on the need of cooperation among the States” and “emphasized on the importance of infrastructural connectivity between the two Countries.”

The statement further said that South Sudan and Ethiopia agreed to implement road and electric projects which would likely witness distribution of electricity from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) to South Sudan.

“Accordingly, they have agreed for the implementation of road, electric power transmission as well as oil infrastructures within short period of time, not only for the benefit of both Countries, but also for the whole region and beyond,” the statement said.