Abuja, Nigeria - Nigeria's president Goodluck Jonathan, on Wednesday pledged that Nigeria would continue to ensure that South Sudan achieved peaceful and friendly relations with its neighbours, especially Sudan.
Speaking after receiving a special message from South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayerdit here, President Jonathan said that 'under the auspices of the African Union, Nigeria will work with other African leaders to quickly resolve the lingering boundary issues between Sudan and South Sudan because peace was a vital prerequisite for the development of both countries, particularly the new nation of South Sudan.'
This, President Jonathan said, would enable South Sudan focus on socio-economic development to meet the aspirations of its people.
The message was delivered by President Salva Kiir's special envoy, Mr. Pagan Amun Okiech.
Recalling the joyful emotions expressed by the citizens of South Sudan when the new country’s flag was raised at independence, President Jonathan pledged that Nigeria and other African nations will work to ensure that the new country’s leaders have the peaceful conditions they require to prudently exploit South Sudan’s natural resources and meet the developmental aspirations of its people.
“You have good prospects as a nation. If there is peace you will certainly make rapid progress,” Jonathan told Okiech, who later briefed President Jonathan on the economic difficulties being experienced by South Sudan because of the non-implementation of peace agreements with Sudan.
On behalf of the Government of South Sudan, Okiech called for Nigeria’s support for the implementation of the agreements and the expeditious and peaceful resolution of the border disputes between South Sudan and Sudan.
PANA recalls that the message was received five days after President Jonathan hosted the special envoy of the Sudanese President, Omar al-Bashir.
Pana 17/01/2013