South Africa's Deputy President Paul Mashatile. (Photo: ALEXANDER/SUNDAY TIMES).

South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected in South Sudan on Monday, for an official visit reportedly to discuss bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

The anticipated visit was announced by the South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Vice President Mashatile will be in South Sudan for three days, where he will meet President Salva Kiir, his vice presidents, and other leaders.

He will also lay flowers at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum and deliver official remarks at a South African Police Contingent Medal Parade in Juba.

On Sunday, Acting Foreign Minister Deng Dau Deng received his South African counterpart, Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor in the capital, ahead of the visit of the Deputy President.

Speaking shortly upon arrival at the Juba International Airport, Hon. Deng said the visit would strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

On her part, South Africa’s Foreign Minister Grace Naledi Mandisa says the two countries enjoy longstanding ties and partnership in their struggle for independence.

The visit comes days after President Kiir returned from Johannesburg where he participated in the BRICS summit.