The leaders of the two warring parties have reiterated their commitment to bring peace to the country, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has said.

Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin says President Salva Kiir and Dr Riek Machar committed themselves to immediately end the fighting after a face to face meeting in Addis Ababa.

The two leaders met at the sidelines of the IGAD summit of heads of state and government that ended yesterday.

“President Salva Kiir has dedicated and exerted his commitment to end the war in South Sudan. Two is that he is also to be the executive President to lead the next transitional period until the elections are conducted, of course, according to the terms of the agreement that will be concluded,” Dr Marial told the media on arrival from Addis Ababa with the President at Juba airport yesterday.

“Dr Riek also expressed his commitment to end the war and no further fighting.”

After their meeting, both President Salva Kiir and Dr Riek Machar issued statements ordering their forces to end attacks.

Dr Marial said the two leaders have also instructed the negotiation teams to continue with committee discussions to reach a peace agreement.