JUBA – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Saturday left Juba for the United Arab Emirates on a diplomatic mission.
Presidential Press Secretary Ambassador David Amuor Majur said President Kiir is expected to hold talks with UAE leaders during his visit to Dubai.
Amour said the diplomatic visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between South Sudan and the United Arab Emirates.
“President Kiir is expected to meet with Emirati officials to discuss expanding trade partnerships and woo investors to come and explore the available investment opportunities in the Republic of South Sudan,” Amour said in a statement posted on the Facebook page of the president’s office on Saturday.
Amuor stated that the visit underscores the dedication of both nations to strengthening their relationship and working towards common objectives in economic development and sustainable growth.
On June 22, Kiir left Juba for the United Arab Emirates on what his office described as an official diplomatic visit.
His absence had sparked widespread rumors regarding his health. This information fueled the public’s speculation.
These rumors follow a similar incident in May when South Sudan’s foreign ministry had to issue a statement denying online reports of Kiir’s death.
The ministry dismissed these posts as “entirely baseless and irresponsible rumors fabricated by enemies of peace, development, nation building, and stability.”
South Sudan and the UAE maintain diplomatic and trade relations, with the Gulf nation providing humanitarian aid to the conflict-affected country.