Government Seeks Visa Exemption for Ordinary Passport Holders as Ties with Türkiye Deepen

By Benjamin Takpiny

South Sudan has called on Türkiye to consider extending its existing visa exemption arrangement to South Sudanese holders of ordinary passports, saying the move would further strengthen trade, tourism and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

Caretaker Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Philip Jada Natana, made the appeal during a reception in Juba on Thursday marking the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye.

He said the existing visa exemption arrangement for diplomatic passport holders, which permits stays of up to 90 days, had facilitated official engagements between the two countries. However, he noted that extending the arrangement to ordinary passport holders would create greater opportunities for citizens to engage in bilateral activities.

“We are not merely seeking a diplomatic relationship; we are seeking a true partnership,” Natana said, reaffirming South Sudan’s commitment to strengthening its relations with Ankara.

The Deputy Minister commended Türkiye for being among the first countries to recognise South Sudan following its independence in 2011, describing the gesture as a lasting demonstration of friendship and solidarity.

He highlighted areas of cooperation between the two countries, including trade, mining, investment, infrastructure and economic development. He also recalled agreements signed in Ankara in April 2017, including the Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation and the Development Cooperation Agreement.

Natana further acknowledged the contribution of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), whose programme coordination office was established in South Sudan in 2017.

He cited the agency’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic, including donations of medical protective equipment to the Dr John Garang Infectious Diseases Unit, as well as sewing machines and fabrics to support local production of face masks.

He also highlighted TİKA’s contribution to women’s economic empowerment through the provision of equipment for a women’s enterprise and the establishment of a soap-making facility in collaboration with the non-governmental organisation LuluCare.

“This is not just aid. This is capacity building, creating jobs and increasing women’s employment,” he said.

Natana also pointed to cultural exchanges, including Turkish cuisine, as another avenue for strengthening connections between the peoples of the two countries, describing the relationship as one founded on mutual respect and shared aspirations.

In her remarks, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Türkiye in South Sudan, Ms. Zeynep Curabeyoglu, reaffirmed Ankara’s commitment to supporting South Sudan’s peace, stability and prosperity.

She said the Turkish Embassy and TİKA would continue working to deepen bilateral relations, expressing hope that the longstanding friendship between the two countries would grow stronger in the years ahead.

The Turkish diplomat also thanked South Sudanese guests for attending the celebration at a time when the country was mourning the death of General Joseph Lagu. She extended her condolences to the government and people of South Sudan.

The reception brought together government officials, diplomats and other invited guests to commemorate Türkiye’s national anniversary and celebrate the longstanding relations between the two countries.