JUBA – South Sudan and Ethiopia have discussed the necessity to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries through socio-economic development cooperation.

This comes after the visit of South Sudan President Salva Kiir to Ethiopia on Thursday on a one-day official trip.

Kiir with other members of the delegation was accompanied by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny to Juba International Airport from where they took off to Addis Ababa.

In a statement released by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed Abiy said they discussed the possibility of economic development through improved infrastructure.

“Thank you to President Salva Kiir for the commitment to strengthen ties b/n our two countries. In our discussions, we have also explored the necessity to build economic ties through infrastructure dev’t,” Mr. Abiy said in a tweet. “All-weather friends like South Sudan are essential in our time of need.”

Diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and South Sudan have picked up in recent days. Kiir’s visit to Ethiopia came as Abiy, a Nobel Peace Prize winner is struggling to contain internal tension with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front.