Türkiye offers continued support for S. Sudan peace deal
The Turkish Ambassador to South Sudan, Erdem Mutaf, said Turkiye will continue supporting South Sudan to achieve “lasting peace’ and sustainable development.
In a statement issued on Thursday ahead of the 99th anniversary of Türkiye Republic Day, celebrated every October 28, Amb. Mutaf commended the relations between Juba and Ankara which he said had flourished since South Sudan’s 2011 independence.
Amb. Mutaf said the Turkiye government will invest in social services, capacity-building, and the socio-economic development of South Sudan to realise peace and stability in the country.
“Türkiye excellent relations with South Sudan are based on historical and cultural ties as well as mutual trust,” said Amb. Mutaf in a statement on Thursday.
“Türkiye is resolved to continue supporting the South Sudanese people in their endeavors to achieve peace, security, and prosperity in the future, in line with our enterprising and humanitarian foreign policy and the principle of respect for national sovereignty.”
South Sudan now struggling with bringing lasting peace to the citizens through the implementation of the revitalised peace agreement is yet to achieve the goal since 2018.
Though parties have recently demonstrated political will by agreeing on the roadmap to meet the February 2024 deadline, close to 50 percent of the peace provisions remain outstanding.
Türkiye government, one of South Sudan’s allies over the past years, has demonstrated its true friendship to the people and government of South Sudan. Last year, Türkiye government supported South Sudan forces’ reunification process, donating dozens of pieces of military equipment to fill the gap.
“Türkiye and South Sudan enjoy excellent political relations, and Türkiye’s support for the peace process in South Sudan is noteworthy,” said Amb. Mutaf.
Mutaf pointed out that the ultimate goal of achieving peace and stability in South Sudan further aims at improving South Sudanese living standards through quality education for the youth and future generations.
Türkiye got its independence in 1923 and will mark its centennial anniversary in October 2023.
