South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Staff Writer
The Minister of Federal Affairs, Lasuba L. Wango, has reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Türkiye, emphasising cooperation in promoting peace, security, development, and unity both regionally and globally.
Speaking at the 102nd Turkish Republic Day celebration in Juba on Wednesday, Wango described Türkiye as a key partner in South Sudan’s pursuit of peace and sustainable development, pledging continued collaboration for the benefit of both nations.
Wango delivered a message on behalf of His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, during the celebration of the 102nd Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye held in Juba.
“Your Excellencies, at this very important occasion, allow me, on behalf of His Excellency the President of the Republic of South Sudan, the government, and the people of South Sudan, to wish His Excellency President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of the Republic of Türkiye, and the people and government of Türkiye a happy 102nd proclamation anniversary of the Republic of Turkey,” said Minister Wango.
He extended appreciation to the government of Türkiye for inviting South Sudan to join in the celebration, describing it as “a demonstration of the strong bonds developed over decades of friendship and cooperation between our two nations.”
He noted that these ties have a deep social and cultural impact, nurtured through successive governments from the beginning up to the present day.
“On such a special occasion,” he continued, “we remember our leaders whose determination and zeal to create a nation-state remain a guiding principle and inspiration for generations to emulate, with a focus on sustainable peace, unity, and development.”
He emphasised that as a young country still in its formative stage, the Republic of South Sudan aspires to learn from Türkiye’s 102-year journey as a nation-state. “We are keen students of how you overcame tribulations over the same period, creating a sustainable ground for peace and advancing durable development,” he said.
Minister Wango reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to partnership with Türkiye. “The Republic of South Sudan considers itself Türkiye’s partner in advancing peace, security, development, and unity in the region and globally. We will continue to build and strengthen our bilateral relations with the hope of deepening and widening them for the common good of our citizens.”
“Therefore, on behalf of His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit, the President of the Republic of South Sudan, in whose honour I am here today, I would like to wish you a joyful and happy 102nd anniversary of your glorious day,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Ambassador to South Sudan, H.E. Metin Ergin, expressed gratitude for their participation in marking the 102nd anniversary of the foundation of the Turkish Republic.
“In the decades before the foundation of the Republic, a generation of our people fought numerous conflicts, including the Balkan Wars, the First World War, and the Independence War in which we fought for our very existence,” said Ambassador Ergin. “The Republic itself embodies the slogan of our founding father, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.”
He highlighted that the republican ideals of modesty, discipline, duty, belief in development, and human dignity continue to thrive today. Reflecting on his time in South Sudan, Ambassador Ergin noted, “After a decade and a half here in South Sudan, I would like to underline that my embassy has been working to bring us closer to all South Sudanese brothers and sisters.”
Ambassador Ergin then read a message from the President of the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, addressed to the gathering.
“My dear nation, esteemed guests who share our pride in different countries around the world, I greet you with my most heartfelt feelings, respect, and affection. On this important day, one of the pinnacles of our history, abounding in victories, I wholeheartedly congratulate each and every one of you—within our borders and abroad—the Turkish Cypriot people and all our brothers and sisters on Republic Day,” read the message.
President Erdoğan expressed gratitude to all friends who have shared Turkey’s cultural heritage and supported its progress. “Today, we proudly celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the establishment of our Republic. I hope that this important day, which embodies our ideals of independence and the future in the unconditional sovereignty of the nation, will be a source of blessing for our country, our nation, and all humanity.”
He concluded by commemorating “with gratitude all members of our veteran parliament who led and steered the national struggle, paving the way for the Republic, especially Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of our Republic.”
The celebration in Juba reflected the deepening relations between South Sudan and Türkiye, marked by mutual respect, cooperation, and shared aspirations for peace and development.
