Norway reaffirms commitment to support South Sudan’s peace process

JUBA – The Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan, Siv Kaspersen, has reaffirmed her country’s commitment to support the ongoing revitalized peace agreement’s implementation in South Sudan.

Kaspersen made this pledge following a meeting between her and South Sudan Presidential Advisor on Presidential Affairs and opposition leader Dr. Costello Garang Ring Lual in Juba on Monday.

“We discussed his upcoming tour to the Western Countries including my country (Norway) and how we could support South Sudan to implement the peace agreement and made progress on some areas,” Kaspersen told reporters in Juba on Monday.

She reaffirmed that Norway will continue to further her relations with South Sudan to enable the country to achieve its desired development.

“Norway has been a friend to South Sudan for many years and we are still good friend to South Sudan, and we would like to see some progress on different issues,” she said.

The Ambassador promised to help South Sudan to fight corruption to ensure transparent and accountable management of public resources.

“We want to see progress on public find management and how to deal with issues of corruption. We would like to see progress in the security sector reform and other areas,” she said.

“We discussed the issues of the holdout groups and how to see some progress not only on the peace process in this country but also the Juba Peace Agreement of Sudan,” she added.

Dr. Costello Garang Ring Lual, Advisor for Presidential Affairs said he discussed with the Norwegian Ambassador on his upcoming tour to Norway.

“I invited the ambassador because I am going to tour Europe and I will visit Norway. I have also explained to her where we stand in the implementation of the peace agreement,” Garang said.

Garang revealed that they have discussed ways on how Norway can support South Sudan on various issues affecting the nation.

“I told her the kind of help we need Europe and Norway and I am looking forward to working with her, Europe, and her country as an advisor to the Presidency,” Garang said.