South Sudan President to attend U.S-Africa summit

July 15, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir, is expected to attend next month’s US-Africa summit to be held in Washington, the US ambassador to South Sudan has disclosed.

South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir, addresses the media in Juba on 2 May 2013 (Photo: Reuters/Paul Banks)

“President Salva Kiir has been invited and has signaled that he is planning to attend the summit,” Susan Page told reporters in the capital, Juba, on Tuesday.

About 50 African heads of state and government as well as the chairperson of the African Union, a range of US and African civil society and business leaders, young African leaders, and Members of Congress are expected at the summit.

This year’s summit reportedly constitutes the largest single engagement by any U.S president with Africa.

“The preparations are taking place and a number of site events will be taking pace and we are looking forward to the Young African Leaders Initiative,” remarked the envoy.

“All our members who have been selected from South Sudan will be there,” she added, citing borders, terrorism, food support and investment are key issues to be discussed.

The presence of so many African leaders at the summit reportedly provides an historic opportunity to further strengthen ties with our African partners and highlight America’s longstanding commitment to investing in Africa’s development and its people.

(ST).