As seen in the Russian newspaper; Sputnik, Ethiopia and South Sudan recently agreed to collaborate on the development of their oil sectors via a construction project. They resolved the idea during a key meeting of executives and governors from both corners of the common border on July 6, 2024.
The negotiations deemed “cordial and honest,” focused on strengthening collaboration in trade, investment, infrastructure development, and security.
Both countries agreed to build a major road linking the Upper Nile state in South Sudan to the Ethiopian border, passing through Gambella-Pagak, Maiwut, Malakal-Maluth, and Paloich.
The road is intended to ease the passage of South Sudanese oil products headed for the ports of Djibouti, which would pass through Ethiopia.
This deal had been verified by South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly back in June. Then the only thing that held the commencement of the project was the go ahead from the South Sudanese president; Salva Kiir. SEE STORY HERE…
The minister of cabinet affairs in Upper Nile State David Nyang, noted that the decision to collaborate on the project resulted from the prospect of greater commerce.
“We recognize the importance of border trade, and this can be enhanced through the existence of roads and the provision of security,” said David Nyang.
In response, South Sudan’s deputy minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, Semaya K. Kumba, applauded the meeting as a watershed moment in bilateral ties, underlining the agreement’s ability to solve common concerns and foster collaboration.
The report also revealed that this decision follows a deal made on the 24th of June, 2024, by the South Sudan’s parliament to fund a $778 million road project connecting the two landlocked East African countries.