President Salva Kiir Mayardit presided over the swearing-in of Albino Mathom Ayuel as the new presidential special envoy on Tuesday, July 20.

The ceremony which took place in Juba comes at a time the country rolls out plans to revive bilateral relations that will open up investments and strengthen the economy. Chief Justice Chan Madut presided over the oath.

A statement from the office of the president, uploaded on the social media pages read in part, ‘‘In attendance were, the Minister of Presidential Affairs Hon. Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin, Executive Director in the Office of the President Hon. James Deng Wal, and the Press Secretary in the Office of the President Hon. Ateny Wek Ateny.’’

The appointment of Mr Ayuel comes as one of the highest-profile changes in months since the president replaced Nhial Deng Nhial with Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin as the minister of presidential affairs.

Dr Barnaba wished Ayuel well in his assignment and assured him of full support to spearhead the diplomatic assignments of the presidency.

Mr Ayuel vowed to do his best to revive the bilateral ties between South Sudan and other countries; particularly the USA.

He said ‘he owes President Kiir and South Sudan’ a lot of gratitude and will only reciprocate by ensuring that he delivers.