Egypt has welcomed the agreement on distribution of ministerial positions in the forthcoming government of national unity in South Sudan, Egyptian media reported.

Last week, the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission said the government, the SPLM in Opposition and the former detainees agreed by consensus.

According to the JMEC, the government has 16 ministries, including Finance, Defense, and Justice.

The SPLM in Opposition has 10; including Petroleum and Interior; while the Former Detainees have two: Foreign Affairs and Transport.

The other political parties will take two ministerial positions – Cabinet Affairs, and Agriculture and Food Security.

“The agreement is a step on the way to achieve stability and development in South Sudan,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abou Zeid stated.

The agreement stipulates that the new government lasts for three years before holding elections.