Foreign Minister urges stronger cooperation as S. Sudan, Korea mark 15 years of ties
By The Correspondent
Foreign Affairs Minister James Pitia Morgan, has called for renewed and expanded partnership with the Republic of Korea as the two nations celebrate the 15th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Yonhap News Agency on the sidelines of the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Seoul, Minister Morgan emphasized that the bond between the two countries is rooted in shared history and goodwill — most notably embodied by the legacy of the late Father Lee Tae-seok, a Korean missionary, doctor and educator whose work in Tonj remains a powerful symbol of friendship and service.
“Our people still remember and honor Father Lee Tae-seok. His medical and educational contributions, alongside the dedication of Korea’s Hanbit Unit, left a lasting mark on our nation and are deeply appreciated to this day,” Morgan said.
He acknowledged that bilateral cooperation was severely disrupted and slowed by years of civil conflict and instability in South Sudan. However, he stressed that the political landscape has shifted significantly since the signing of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, creating new opportunities for progress.
“Today, South Sudan is steadily moving toward stability, peace and recovery. It is the right time to rebuild diplomatic momentum and strengthen practical cooperation across all sectors,” the Minister stated.
As part of this push, Morgan revealed plans to formalize partnership frameworks, including the negotiation and signing of an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two governments. He also called for the resumption of key development projects suspended due to the war — among them the planned EDCF-supported hospital project in Juba, which was designed to improve healthcare access for thousands of citizens.
Looking ahead to South Sudan’s upcoming general elections, scheduled for December this year, Morgan described the vote as a historic milestone. “These elections will be a major step toward full normalization, democratic governance and stronger engagement with the international community — including the Republic of Korea,” he noted.
The Foreign Minister also reaffirmed his government’s full backing for the construction of the Tonj Surgical Hospital, an initiative led by the U.S.-Africa Hope Foundation. He confirmed that land has been allocated for the facility, which will stand as a lasting tribute to Father Lee’s vision and a continuation of the health services he began decades ago.
“Our relationship with Korea is built on solid foundations of friendship, service and mutual respect,” Morgan concluded. “This 15th anniversary is not just a date on the calendar — it is an important opportunity to open a new chapter of cooperation, development and shared prosperity for both our nations.”