South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Dr. Wek Mamer Kuol, has presented a Memorandum of Understanding, two agreements, and a treaty between South Sudan and the United Arab Emirates to the national parliament for deliberation and ratification.
Among the documents presented by Dr. Kuol are the Memorandum of Understanding, two agreements, and a treaty between the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and the United Arab Emirates: the Exemption of Entry Visa Requirements, the Agreement for Air Services between and beyond their respective territories, the Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, and the Bilateral Investment Treaty.
If approved, the agreement will allow nationals of both countries holding diplomatic, official, business, and ordinary passports to travel without visas.
Dr. Wek says the arrangement is intended to strengthen bilateral relations and ease the movement of citizens.
“The Government of the Republic of South Sudan and the Government of the United Arab Emirates agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries, confirming the willingness to exempt the nationals of their countries from entry visa requirements.”
“The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding is to develop bilateral relations, strengthen the existing cooperation between the two countries, and exempt the nationals from entry visa requirements,” he said.
Dr. Wek also presented an air services agreement that was first signed in 2015. The deal aims to facilitate international flights between and beyond the territories of both countries. It is also expected to expand air transport opportunities and promote cooperation.
He further tabled an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion, signed in 2019. The treaty aims to eliminate double taxation on income and encourage investment between South Sudan and the UAE.
Following the presentation, Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba referred the documents to the parliamentary committees on Foreign Affairs, National Security, Finance and Planning, and Legislation and Justice.
The committees are expected to study the documents and report back to the House within two weeks.
