President Kiir leaves Juba for South Africa. June 27, 2023. | Photo: Office of the President/Facebook

President Salva Kiir on Tuesday paid a working visit to South Africa – where he will hold bilateral talks with his counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa.

Kiir left Juba International Airport for Africa’s second-largest economy – where he and Ramaphosa will meet on strengthening relations between Juba and Pretoria, on Wednesday, June 28.

The president was seen off by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and a number of high-ranking officials including ministers and advisors.

Speaking to reporters, the Minister of Presidential Affairs Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin said President Kiir will brief his counterpart on the progress made in the 2018 peace deal.

“Dr. Marial added that President Kiir and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa will discuss the crisis in Sudan and regional issues,” says a statement from Kiir’s office.

Kiir and Ramaphosa will also discuss areas of mutual cooperation between SPLM and the South African ruling ANC party, according to the statement.

The South Sudan head of state will also meet with other key South African officials and business leaders to promote trade and investment between the two nations.

“South Sudan looks forward to bolstering its long-standing relationship with South Africa and enhancing collaborations towards achieving sustainable peace and development,” it added.