South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has arrived in Beijing for the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit that is set to commence on September 4th till 6th.
Kiir is among several African Heads of State attending the high-level summit that will focus on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to build a China-Africa partnership with shared future.
Amb. Monday Semeya Kumba, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said that President Kiir is expected to hold meeting on the sidelines of the FOCAC summit with Zhejiang province leaders to discuss bilateral ties, according to a Sunday statement on the Facebook page of the Office of the President.
It disclosed that Kiir is also expected to launch the South Sudan-Zhejiang Economic, Investment, and Trade Forum and also meet with several heads of state.
It disclosed that the visit also represents an opportunity for Kiir to solicit financial support in the form of oil for cash as it permitted oil for roads during previous visits.
China is reportedly South Sudan’s largest trading partner with several Chinese companies engaged in various sectors of the economy such as engineering, construction, telecommunications, healthcare, hotels, restaurant and retail.
Introduced in 2000, FOCAC brings together leaders and dignitaries from the People’s Republic of China and African countries, with the exception of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
China and African countries are expected to hold discussions on partnerships in fields such as green energy, and internet connectivity, and also explore political alliances.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver a keynote speech before hosting a welcoming banquet and associated bilateral events for African leaders and other invited dignitaries from regional and international organizations.
