March 14, 2013 (JUBA) – South Sudan and Egypt have inked five different agreements that seek to strengthen bilateral relations between them, and provide the latter investment opportunities in the new nation.

Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Qandil meeting with South Sudan president Salva Kiir in Juba March 14, 2013 (Egypt PM website)

The five Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) were signed Thursday during a meeting between the Egyptian Prime Minister, Hisham Qandil and South Sudan’s Vice-President, Riek Machar in the capital, Juba.

Agriculture, health, animal resources and fisheries were some of the key sectors that the agreements covered.

The Egyptian PM, accompanied by a large delegation of investors, pledged strong commitment to the existing bilateral relations between the Arab nation and South Sudan.

“The Republic of South Sudan is a key player in the region and we want to maintain a strong relationship with them, by investing in it and be part of its nation building process”, said Qandil.

Meanwhile, Machar, who witnessed the various line ministers sign the MoUs, said the agreements demonstrate the political will to maintain strong ties between South Sudan and Egypt.

Also discussed, was the prospect of Egypt’s involvement in to the country’s private section, an area with huge potential, but largely undeveloped.

The Arab Republic of Egypt was one of the first countries in the region to recognise the independence of South Sudan in July 2011, which resulted from the outcome of the referendum on self-determination, held six months earlier.

Since then, South Sudan and Egypt have exchanged diplomatic missions, with each opening an embassy and assigning an ambassador to the other.

The new nation, from the time it attained independence, has embarked on attracting foreign investment, promoting bilateral cooperation and diplomatic relations with all countries in the world.

(ST)