Kiir arrives in Addis Ababa

JUBA – South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has this morning arrived in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa after taking off aboard a Rwanda Airways plane this morning from Juba International Airport.

Local media reports that the President was received by Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed following his arrival at the airport. Other senior Ethiopian government officials also were at the airport during the arrival.

“Prime minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed welcomed President Salva Kiir Mayardit Bole International Airport. Mrs. Muferiat Kamil, Minister of Defense Dr. Yadeta and other higher government officials have been present,” reports a local newspaper.

President Kiir left Juba this morning along with ministers of foreign affairs, Beatrice Khamisa Wani, cabinet affairs, Elia Lomuro, presidential affairs Barnaba Marial Benjamin, and Jonglei state governor Denay Jok Chagor.

In a statement following his departure from Juba, the presidency said the South Sudanese head of state will meet Prime Minister Abiy and discuss issues of utmost importance to bilateral ties between the two countries.

“He is expected to meet with the Prime Minister of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia H.E Dr. Abiy Ahmed to discuss issues that will strengthen and deepen the bilateral relations between the two Countries and discuss the ongoing crisis in Ethiopia’s Tigray region,” the statement said.