India, South Sudan hold first foreign office consultations in Juba

New Delhi, Dec 5: India and South Sudan held their first-ever Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Juba on December 4, marking a new phase in bilateral engagement between the two countries.

The Indian delegation was led by M. Suresh Kumar, Joint Secretary (WANA) in the Ministry of External Affairs, while the South Sudanese side was headed by Ambassador Philip Jada Natana, Director General for Bilateral Relations in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the talks were held in a “warm and friendly atmosphere,” reflecting the traditionally close ties between New Delhi and Juba.

Both sides conducted a comprehensive review of the full range of bilateral cooperation, including capacity building, human resource development, health, technical and vocational training, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.

The delegations expressed satisfaction with ongoing projects and reaffirmed their commitment to high-level visits, institutional dialogues and stronger cooperation in multilateral platforms, including at the United Nations.

During his stay in Juba, Suresh Kumar also held meetings with senior leaders of South Sudan, including Vice President and Chief of the Economic Cluster James Wani Igga; Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kenneth Kumba; Mining Minister Martin Abucha; Livestock & Fisheries Minister Onyoti Adigo Nyikec; and Deputy Foreign Minister Akuei Bona Malwal.

These interactions, the MEA said, reaffirmed the mutual intent to expand collaboration across emerging sectors and identify new areas of partnership as the young African nation deepens its development trajectory with India’s support.

Both sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date.