Seychelles has established diplomatic relations with the Republic of South Sudan in an exchange held on July 24 to further consolidate the bonds of friendship that exist between the two countries.

Seychelles officially recognised South Sudan as a sovereign and independent state soon after South Sudan declared its independence on July 9, 2011.

It was through the formal exchange of notes by Ambassador Barry Faure, the secretary of state in the Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Charles Manyang D’Awol, the undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan, that formal diplomatic relations between the two countries have been established.

Ambassador Faure had been dispatched by President James Michel to convey a special message of friendship and cooperation of the Seychellois people to the people of South Sudan on the occasion of the second anniversary of the independence of the Republic of South Sudan.

Mr Faure was received by Salva Kiir Mayardit, the President of the Republic of South Sudan, and other high-level government officials.

During the meeting with President Mayardit, discussions focused on the scope of cooperation and exchanges between the two countries in the political, socio-economic, and cultural fields.

President Mayardit warmly welcomed this first visit of a government official from Seychelles to South Sudan and spoke of the common values that the two countries share and which must be defended internationally.

He underscored the need for greater cooperation and solidarity between African countries to further unlock Africa’s enormous socio-economic potential. 
President Mayardit also expressed his strong support for President Michel’s principled foreign policy objectives.

Ambassador Faure conveyed President Michel’s belief in the strength of south-south cooperation and of the strong willingness of Seychelles to share its experience in nation building with the government of South Sudan as it strives to meet the aspirations of its people.

In expressing the appreciation of the government of Seychelles towards the government of South Sudan for having facilitated this visit, Ambassador Faure stated:

“South Sudan, as the world’s newest country, has great potential to realise the dreams and aspirations of its people. Two years ago, Seychelles welcomed the formal creation of South Sudan as an independent state. Today, we celebrate the positive relationship between the two countries and the many links we share, including our commitment to our shared aspirations for peace and prosperity across the African continent.”

The ambassador added: “The creation of South Sudan two years ago gave hope to its people for a better, brighter future. I am confident that the same resolve and determination that made the independence of South Sudan a reality will continue to steer the way forward so that the people of South Sudan can enjoy the full benefits of peace, justice and development. Seychelles is committed in supporting South Sudan’s development as a democratic nation.”

Michelle Murray, the director general for International Relations in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accompanied Ambassador Faure on this official visit.

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