Aleu made the remarks on Friday during a meeting in Juba that focused on strengthening security cooperation along the shared border and reinforcing relations between the two neighbouring countries.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior, the minister described Ethiopia as the “father of South Sudan” because of its contribution to the liberation movement that culminated in South Sudan’s independence in 2011.
He also reaffirmed Juba’s commitment to strengthening ties with Addis Ababa, saying the South Sudanese government remains committed to building “lasting social relations, both political and economic cooperation” with Ethiopia.
The meeting also addressed security coordination along the common border, with both sides discussing ways “to maintain long-standing peaceful coexistence, strengthen security and bilateral cooperation” between border communities.
Ambassador Delil said Ethiopia remained committed to preserving the historic relationship between the two countries, stressing that Addis Ababa was working to ensure “the long-standing historic relations between South Sudan and Ethiopia will remain unchanged and unbreakable.”
He said the partnership would continue through political, economic and other forms of cooperation, describing the relationship as one built on decades of mutual support.
Aleu also acknowledged Ethiopia’s continued contributions to South Sudan’s development, particularly in the health and business sectors, saying the support had reinforced the close relationship between the neighbouring countries.
The meeting came against the backdrop of continued cooperation between Juba and Addis Ababa on border management, an issue that remains central to efforts to combat cross-border crime, facilitate trade and promote stability for communities living along the frontier.
Ethiopia has long been one of South Sudan’s closest regional partners. During Sudan’s civil wars, Addis Ababa hosted several rounds of peace negotiations, including the 1972 Addis Ababa Agreement, and later played a key diplomatic role in regional mediation efforts that helped pave the way for the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and South Sudan’s eventual independence in 2011.
