President Uhuru Kenyatta waves to the public at Juba airport on his arrival for official vist to South Sudan/PPS
President Kenyatta and Kiir also said Kenya and South Sudan will jointly source funding for the upgrading of the road linking the two countries for the mutual benefit of their people.
The two leaders were addressing the press on Thursday after they held talks in Juba when President Kenyatta made a stop-over on his way to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the 21st Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government.
President Kenyatta particularly emphasised that the completion of the LAPSSET project and improvement of the road linking Kenya and South Sudan were viable projects that would enable the people of the two countries to interact freely and boost trade between them.
“The two projects were the main focus of our bilateral talks today,” President Kenyatta said, adding that the projects will also promote cross border security.
He pointed out that his administration is keen on deepening the bilateral relations with South Sudan and will engage in joint projects that will enhance the existing cooperation between the two countries.
In this regard, President Kenyatta reaffirmed Kenya’s support to the full implementation of the Sudan Peace Accord.
“Kenya will continue to stand with South Sudan in the search for lasting peace. We believe that peace in South Sudan will contribute towards regional stability and prosperity,” President Kenyatta said.
President Kenyatta pointed out that during the meeting with his South Sudan counterpart, they also discussed Somalia and the need for the region to consistently support the Horn of Africa country in its stabilization and reconstruction.
On his part, President Kiir appreciated Kenya’s continued support, noting the role it played in the Sudan peace process.
The South Sudan leader said President Kenyatta’s visit was a further testimony of the strong bilateral relations and cooperation that exist between the two neighbouring countries.
President Kiir welcomed the meeting with President Kenyatta, saying it outlined how Kenya and South Sudan will go about not only implementing the LAPSSET project but also improving the road linking the two countries.
President Kenyatta is accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and other senior government officials.
