bilateral ties with South Sudan - Coastweek

MOMBASA (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government on Tuesday reiterated that it will support South Sudan by enhancing existing bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefits of the two nations.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister Richard Onyonka said the East African nation considers Sudanese citizens not only as good neighbors, but also as brothers and sisters and hence has a close interest in South Sudan affairs.

"However, it is important for me to remind you that the success of your young nation depends on your ability to overcome these challenges," Onyonka said during the closing of the second induction course for newly appointed South Sudan ambassadors in Mombasa.

"I congratulate your Excellencies on your well deserved appointment as the first group of ambassadors of the newly independent Republic of South Sudan.

"Your appointment is testimony of the confidence the government and people of the Republic of South Sudan have in your leadership and ability to effectively represent the country in various capitals."

Onyonka said Kenya was aware of the challenges that they will be facing as envoys, in projecting, promoting and protecting the image of the new country, given the long years of conflict experienced by the larger Sudan.

He reiterated that the program was a reflection of the warm and cordial relationship existing between Kenya and South Sudan, adding that Kenya has remained actively engaged in the Sudan peace process from the onset because she believes that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) holds the key to peace, stability and socio- economic progress in South Sudan, and the entire region.

"The successful implementation of the outstanding issues in the CPA will further enhance trade and socio-economic development of the region as well as ensure peace and stability in the horn of Africa," he added.

The assistant minister added that the common prosperity of the East African region is mutually inter-dependent with South Sudan’s prosperity, since there is considerable potential for growth in trade, investments, government to government and people to people exchanges.

According to Onyonka, South Sudan will therefore continue to be a key partner to Kenya.

As the world’s newest country, it has great potential to realize the dreams and aspirations of her people.

"We are hopeful that this new beginning will bring peace and prosperity for the people of South Sudan.

"Kenya will continue to support in the areas of capacity building and development and technical assistance within the framework of our bilateral cooperation as the country embarks on the task of nation-building, " he said.

Among the topics discussed during the meeting which began last week under the theme ‘Effective Diplomacy, the 21st Century Ambassadors’, were knowing their country of posting, geo-politics, geo-strategy, locating South Sudan in the international arena, 21st century management of external relations of an emerging state and bilateral and multilateral negotiations skills.

Other topics included effective leadership and best management practices, diplomatic protocol, immigration and consular matters, the rights of landlocked states under the law of the sea convention, among others.

Onyonka advised the ambassadors to endeavor to acquire more relevant knowledge particularly in the emerging frontiers of diplomacy such as environmental diplomacy, health diplomacy in addition to economic and commercial diplomacy, in order to enhance the overall performance and output of their respective missions in promoting, protecting and projecting the image and interests of their republic.