President Salva Kiir Mayardit addressing the council of ministers [©Gurtong/ Juma Stephen]
By Juma John Stephen
JUBA, 29th April 2012 [Gurtong]
Kiir was expected to spend one week in the China, but he returned last Friday and was given a heroic welcome by the people of South Sudan at Dr. John Garang Mausoleum. Kiir said he signed six protocols with the Chinese government.
An extra ordinary Council of Ministers sitting was convened on Saturday where President Kiir elaborated abouth the signed protocols. After the meeting the Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin categorically told the media that the President signed deals worth 8 billion US dollars.
“A protocol was signed between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Sudan, in which China was able to agree to 8 billion dollars for the financing of the most important projects that included roads and bridges, hydro power and agricultural projects,” Dr. Marial said.
“The financing of major projects in the Republic of South Sudan was a great success in the China-South Sudan economic and political cooperation,” he added. The Minister said the importance of the visit was to strengthen the bilateral relationship between China and South Sudan in contributing to development.
During the visit President Salva Kiir gave a lecture in the University of Beijing enlightening the students about the Republic of South Sudan, its economic potential, its role within Africa and internationally, the reasons that led to the recent incursion along the border regions with Sudan.
Kiir then officially opened the South Sudan Embassy in Beijing. He later on held a meeting with the Chairman of the China National Petroleum Cooperation. They discussed the issue of the oil fields and more details of the reasons that lead to the shutdown.