An agreement has been signed for the construction of an Ethiopia-South Sudan Cross-Border Highway stretching from Paloch through Mathiang and Maiwut to Pagak.
President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit presided over the signing of the agreement in Jubba. Ethiopia’s State Minister of Finance, Eyob Tekalign and South Sudanese Finance Minister, Dier Tong Ngor on the other hand signed the agreement.
President Salva Kiir said that the cross-border highway project would strengthen economic ties. Importantly, the highway will enhance the free movement of people and goods in the Horn of Africa.
“Our hope is to move together to help one another; this is what our people want to see. This is a strategic project that connects our people and serves their needs,” he added.
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Significance of the Ethiopia-South Sudan Cross-Border Highway
The State Minister of Finance, Eyob Tekalign, of Ethiopia, said that the construction of this road will provide seamless commercial connectivity. Moreover, the highway will also rectify the artificial border separation and bring the people of the two sisterly countries much closer.
Eyob described the project as a significant and historic development. He said the project will bring people together. South Sudanese Finance Minister Dier Tong Ngor for his part said “When the road is completed, it will reduce the cost of doing business in the region,”
The signing ceremony that took place in Juba recognized the initiatives and commitments demonstrated by the heads of state of the two governments to boost bilateral cooperation between the two sisterly countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
The anticipated construction of this road is likely to impact the economic activities of the sisterly countries. Additionally, the highway will play a pertinent role in cementing peace in parts of the regions of both countries.
