President Salva Kiir and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo on 10th January 2017. | Credit | Courtesy

The Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi will arrive in Juba tomorrow for his first state visit to the country.

In a letter issued this afternoon, the Office of the President said Kiir will receive Al-Sisi at Juba International Airport in the morning.

The two leaders will hold bilateral talks.

South Sudan has not asserted its claim over the share of the Nile waters –which is being contested by Egypt over the construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia.

Presidents Kiir and Al-Sisi are also expected to exchange views on regional stability.

There is an ongoing political and military conflict going on in Ethiopia ­–mainly in Tigray areas bordering South Sudan and Sudan.

According to the Press Secretary in the Office of the President, the visit aims at deepening diplomatic ties between South Sudan’s and Egypt.

Ateny Wek Ateny called on the public to turn up at the Juba International Airport for the reception of the Egyptian President and his delegation.

A civil society activist has welcomed the visit.

Rajab Mohandis urges President Kiir to use the occasion to advance the interests of the people of South Sudan.

He stated that the discussions must include issues of peace and security, Nile water, and the safety of South Sudanese in Egypt.

“It would be appropriate for the president to share with them the progress of the peace agreement and areas of need that would require the attention or support of Egypt. And also call on Egypt to do the same for our citizens especially given these concerns that have been emerging about our citizens facing problems and also being attacked in different places. The voice of the leadership in Egypt will be very important to ensure our citizens are safe. The president might need to discuss with his counterpart the fact that discussions and decisions on the issue of the Nile are done in a manner that promotes regional stability and peace.”