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JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ ON THE OCCASION OF OFFICIAL VISIT TO JUBA BY H.E. WILLIAM RUTO, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA ON 6TH NOVEMBER 2024

6.11.2024

 

 

  1. At the invitation of H.E. Salva Kiir, President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya made an official visit to South Sudan, during which the two Heads of State held High-Level bilateral discussions in Juba on 6th November, 2024. Discussions focused on bilateral issues of mutual interest. These discussions were held in a friendly atmosphere, during which, the two Presidents recalled the deep historical bonds of friendship between the two countries.
  2. E. President of the Republic of Kenya was honored to host negotiations between the RTGONU and holdout groups to the R-ARCSS Peace Agreement. The two Heads of State commended the constructive dialogue among the diverse parties to the initiative towards tangible outcomes.
  3. Their Excellencies appreciated that parties had reached an agreement on nine (9) protocols which have been initialled so far.
  4. To finalize the mediation process, their Excellencies  directed the mediation team to reconvene and resolve outstanding issues within 2 weeks.   
  5. The Heads of State agreed to secure regional endorsement of Tumaini initiatite and urge IGAD to mobilize resources and goodwill of the international community,   including the TROIKA and other countries to enable full implementation of the initiative.
  6. On bilateral relations, their Excellencies noted that Kenya and South Sudan share strong historical ties, built on fraternal bonds, and are committed to bolstering bilateral relations. In this regard, they agreed on the convening of the 2nd session of the Joint Commission for cooperation (JCC), hosted by South Sudan, to review the progress made on agreed areas of cooperation.
  7. On infrastructure development and particularly the construction of the of the 11km Nadapal to Nakodok road, the two Heads of State noted that it is a vital cross-border infrastructure crucial for enhancing trade and movement between our countries. The road will not only benefit our economies but also strengthen the ties between the two countries. It was noted that Kenya had secured World Bank financing facility which was set to expire on 8th November 2024. In order to avoid the lapse, the two Heads of State directed Ministers responsible for Roads, to undertake discussions immediately with the World Bank regional office in Nairobi and agree on the way forward.
  8. At the conlusion of his visit, E. William Ruto, expressed profound gratitude to H.E. Salva Kiir, the Government and people of the Republic of South Sudan for the warm reception and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation.

 

Done, on 6th November 2024 in Juba.