Juba – 10.7.2011
Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has called for the immediate
establishment of a joint ministerial commission to spearhead
cooperation between Kenya and the newly Independent Republic of South
Sudan.
The joint commission, he said, will provide the framework for
deepening of bilateral ties and explore new frontiers of engagement
for the peoples of the two neighboring states.
The vice president made the proposal today at state house in Juba,
south Sudan where he held talks with president Salva Kiir. He was
accompanied by information and communications minister Samuel
Pogishio, Kitui South MP Isaac Muoki, and ambassadors Elijah Mativo
and Cleland Leshore.
The Vice President is in Juba on the second day of the country’s
independence celebrations following an invitation by President Kiir.
In his letter, President Salva Kiir acknowledged the role Mr. Musyoka
Played in the 13 years long negotiations that led to the signing of
the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in Nairobi in 2005.
“The Republic of South Sudan will forever be indebted to you and other
leaders who helped us realize the dream of peace and freedom”
President Kiir wrote.
Mr. Musyoka who is on a two day visit also visited the John Garang
mausoleum and the widow of the fallen hero.
The vice president congratulated President Kiir and the people of
South Sudan on the occasion of their independence and pledged Kenya’s
continued support to the new state.
Noting that the two countries have a long history, Mr. Musyoka
expressed confidence that Kenya will benefit from the peace dividend
following her long drawn involvement in that country’s peace process.
Mr. Musyoka who played a key role in the peace negotiations observed
that the independence of south Sudan was a boon to regional peace and
integration efforts and invited the new state to join the east African
community.
“For me, I have a personal sense of joy and satisfaction for the
people of South Sudan having been deeply involved in the search for
peace in this country,” he said.
The two leaders concurred that there was urgent need to expedite the
construction of the oil pipeline and the railway line linking the port
of Lamu to Juba saying that it will shorten the distance between the
two countries and spur development.
President Kiir thanked the government and people of Kenya for their
support during the struggle for his country’s freedom and invited
Kenyan businessmen and investors to take advantage of the investment
opportunities in south Sudan.
Kenya has for the last two years helped train members of the civil
service for the Government of Southern Sudan and has currently
seconded eighty (80) senior government officers to prepare the new
country’s public service work force.
Mr. Musyoka also encouraged a new South Sudan to join the East African
Community at appropriate time.
Kutswa/Kaplich/VPPS
Daniel Francis Irukan
Vice President's Press ServiceJogoo House A, Taifa Road
Nairobi.
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