The Netherlands says the suspension of its development activities in South Sudan will affect the expenditure of more than $3 million this year.

The expenditure was originally estimated at $44 million. But excludes more than $12 million in additional humanitarian aid allocated earlier this year.

The Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilliane Ploumen, said her government suspended its activities because of the current crisis.

In a statement, the Dutch embassy in Juba says the resumption of direct cooperation efforts will depend on what they call ‘clear and concrete progress towards finding a peaceful end to the conflict’.

The embassy however says the suspension of its activities does not affect humanitarian interventions and activities such as improving food security, access to water, access to justice and support to the civil society.

“What more commitment do you need from that?” asked Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin, South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“As far as the peace process is concerned, we are fully committed. You have seen the re-dedication on the implementation of cessation of hostilities our president signed with the other presidents in the IGAD countries.”

Peace talks are scheduled to resume on the 14th of September in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

The Netherlands is one of the European countries helping South Sudan develop.

South Sudan is one of the Netherlands’ 15 development partners. Through bilateral and multilateral channels and via non-governmental organizations, the Dutch contribute €75 million to the country each year, according to the country’s ministry of foreign affairs.

In October 2011, a month after the Dutch embassy was opened in the new capital of Juba, a large trade mission took place, with the participation of Dutch businesses in the agriculture, financial services and transport sectors.