Speaking to the press shortly after the arrival from the UAE on Sunday the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Monday Semaya Kumba, praised the mission’s outcomes.

By Aguok Chok

The Vice President and chairman of the economic cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, has described his visit to the United Arab Emirates as a return to the country’s economy.

“This visit has opened doors for South Sudan. Our task now is to work tirelessly to translate these opportunities into real progress for our people,” he said upon his return to the country on Sunday.

Last week, Dr. Bol Mel led a high-level delegation to the UAE that culminated in the signing of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding aimed at fostering cooperation across key areas, including security printing, payment systems

Speaking to the press shortly after the arrival from the UAE on Sunday the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Monday Semaya Kumba, praised the mission’s outcomes.

He emphasized that the success of the trip was directly linked to the foundation already laid by President Salva Kiir during his earlier visits to the UAE.

“Indeed, this mission is the culmination of the groundwork laid by President Salva Kiir Mayardit during his recent visits to the UAE,” Kumba stated.

“The visits strengthened bilateral ties, showcased the country’s potential, and opened new avenues of cooperation that are starting to bear fruit for the people of South Sudan.”

During his trip, Dr. Bol Mel participated in high-level engagements aimed at unlocking investment opportunities and expanding economic cooperation between South Sudan and the UAE.

On August 12, the Bank of South Sudan and the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates signed a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding aimed at fostering cooperation across key areas, including security printing, payment systems innovation and technical capacity building.

The MoU was formally signed on behalf of the UAE by Saif Humaid Al Dhaheri, Assistant Governor for Banking Operations and Support Services at the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates and Dr. Addis Ababa Otto, Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, represented South Sudan.

The agreement sets forth a robust framework for collaboration that includes security printing of banknotes, development of a National payment card system with phase one and phase two and  Knowledge sharing and capacity building.

Khalid Mohammed Balama, Governor of the Central Bank of the UAE, highlighted the significance of this partnership with South Sudan.

“This agreement is part of our strategic vision to translate the UAE’s leadership goals in impactful international collaborations,” Mohammed said.

“Through this MoU, we aim to support South Sudan in strengthening its financial and banking systems,  while also contributing to regional  and global financial stability through and  knowledge  sharing and cooperation.”

He further emphasized the UAE’s commitment to innovation, financial governance, and international development:

“We are proud to share our expertise and provide the necessary support to our counterparts in South Sudan to help them build and secure an inclusive financial ecosystem.”

The signing of the agreement was witnessed by Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Benjamin Bol Mel, Vice President of South Sudan and Chairman of the Economic Cluster.

“It is an achievement that will be remembered as a turning point in the nation’s financial and economic outlook,” Kumba emphasized.

Officials noted that the visit reaffirmed the government’s readiness to diversify the economy beyond oil revenues and demonstrated South Sudan’s commitment to cultivating sustainable global partnerships.

In his concluding remarks, Vice President Bol Mel expressed confidence about the path ahead