Sisi stresses Egypt's interest in increasing cooperation with South Sudan at Sochi summit

El-Sisi's remarks were made during his meeting with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir in Sochi on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit, co-chaired by the Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Egyptian president, who holds the chairmanship of the African Union for 2019, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Bassam Rady, El-Sisi affirmed Egypt's continued support of the government and people of South Sudan and efforts aimed at achieving a final, peaceful political settlement in Juba.

The president highlighted Egypt's endeavours on the regional and international levels that aim at strengthening efforts to restore stability and security in South Sudan and improve economic conditions.

Kiir expressed his country's eagerness to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation with Egypt in various fields in the light of the fraternal and distinguished relations between the two countries, Rady added.

Kiir also praised the role of Egypt in supporting stability in the region and South Sudan.

This comes within the framework of Egypt's leading role in the region, Kiir said, as well as Egypt's current presidency of the African Union, and the historical ties between the two countries and peoples.

President El-Sisi stated during the meeting that "Egypt will continue to provide assistance and technical support to South Sudan, which will contribute to meeting the aspirations of its people for a better future, and to move forward in the implementation of bilateral projects."