By: Abraham Nega
H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit President the Republic of South Sudan and the chairperson of East African Community bloc (EAC) says Juba will not collaborate with any threat to Addis Ababa.
The relation between Ethiopia and South Sudan is like a very old marriage with no possibilities of divorce. It is like all old marriages with no possibility of breaking, sometimes it may has ups and downs but their relation is very solid.
There has to be very significant move in the flow of trade and investment between Ethiopia and South Sudan. Cooperation on development and Peace & Security between Ethiopia and South Sudan is not a zero sum gain but depends in win-win agreement.
Foreign diplomatic relations are well established with both nations sharing a comprehensive strategic partnership since both are members of IGAD and AU.
South Sudan treating its neighbors equally, no matter what policy, rank or status, with genuine respect and regards. Education is Ethiopia’s largest service in terms of scholarship to South Sudan Students. South Sudan and Ethiopia has a cooperation framework on military and security arrangements.
Juba and Addis Ababa continue to build robust people-to-people links between their institutions through regular personnel training and cultural exchanges such as short specialist courses and longer-term positions.
Ethiopia has supported the independence and Liberation of Africa. Mandela has been trained in Ethiopia; Zimbabwe was supported by Ethiopia in its fight against Rhodesia. Said, Kiir.
President Salva, said, on the issue of South Sudan independence Emperor Haileselassie and Mengistu Hailemariam were as solid as Meles Zenawi was. Ethiopia’s commitment to South Sudan has not varied with governments. You could have Emperor Haileselassie, You could have Mengistu Hailemariam, you could have Meles Zenawi and Abiy Ahmed and a different government it doesn’t matter. What governments rules Ethiopia it bounds to the same course or policy, President Kiir, said.
I am the witness that irrespective of what government rules, Ethiopia has always been committed to South Sudan’s peace and security as well as development, added, Kiir.
