Guinea-Bissau president makes first-ever visit to South Sudan

JUBA – Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló arrived in Juba on Thursday for a one-day state visit, marking the first such visit by a Guinean president to South Sudan, the South Sudan presidency said.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit welcomed Embaló at the Presidential Palace, where he received a ceremonial welcome and inspected the guard of honor.

“President Salva Kiir Mayardit welcomed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau to Juba. The visit marks a critical moment as the two leaders seek to initiate and formalize diplomatic relations and explore areas of mutual interest between Juba and Bissau,” the presidency said in a statement.

According to the presidency, the two leaders discussed bilateral engagements in areas such as trade, cultural exchange programs, and cooperation on regional peace.

“During the meeting, President Umaro expressed Guinea Bissau’s readiness to support the South Sudanese peace process,” the statement added.