Your Honorable Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin,

Your Honorable Acting Under Secretary Mumunba Maklele,

Your Excellency Ambassador Michael Mili Husein,

Members of the Board of the South Sudan-China Friendship Association,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It’s a great pleasure to witness the official launching of South Sudan-China Friendship Association. First of all, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of South Sudan, I would like to extend warm congratulations to all friends present here today.

Friendship between our two peoples is the foundation for the development of relationship between our two countries.  Though geographically far apart, our two peoples boast a long history of friendly exchanges. More than 40 years ago, Chinese medical teams started working in Juba, Malakal, Wau and other places in Southern Sudan and have made great contributions to the health of South Sudanese people.

Since the independence of of South Sudan, the relations between our two countries and exchanges between our two peoples have been expanding rapidly. Our two countries maintain good coordination and cooperation on regional and international affairs, respect and support each other on issues involving core interests and major concerns of each side. Many Chinese business people and companies have invested in South Sudan, made their contribution to economic and social development of this new nation. More than 2,600 South Sudanese students, scholars, officials and technicians got professional or vocational training in China.

China is one of the largest trade partners of South Sudan, with bilateral trade exceeding 1.5 billion USD in 2016. China is also one of the major investment resources for South Sudan, with  accumulated investment worth more than 3.2 billion USD.  During the conflicts of December 2013 and July 2016, CNPC was the only international partner that kept uninterrupted oil production, which is of vital importance to fiscal and economic stability of South Sudan, and to its development as well.

China joined international community in helping South Sudanese people to achieve their goal of peace, stability and national reconciliation. We participate constructively in the peace process of South Sudan, support IGAD and AU in mediating the South Sudan issue, and provide outstanding humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to South Sudan. By the end of 2016, China has provided South Sudan with the grants and donations worth about 150 million USD, plus 21 batches of humanitarian goods, including anti-malaria drugs, medicines, medical equipment, vehicles, agricultural machines, etc. Some new aid projects are now under implementation, including expansion and modernization of Juba Teaching Hospital, housing project of Kiir Mayardit Women’s Hospital, teaching training program, etc.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Now the South Sudanese people are at a critical juncture on their way to pursuit national peace and prosperity. While there are still many difficulties and uncertainties ahead, there are new opportunities. We sincerely hope that all political parties, all ethnic groups of South Sudan would put their differences aside, seek common ground through inclusive and comprehensive dialogue, thus allowing all South Sudanese people the chance of peaceful and better life. During the peace and nation building process of South Sudan, China will continue to be a reliable partner and a friend in need of South Sudanese people. We are always ready to provide help and assistance within our capacity.

South Sudan-China Friendship Association is a new important bridge between our two countries and two peoples. I’m confident that under the auspices of the leadership of South Sudanese government, and with efforts of all the friends present here today, the Association will play a very important role in deepening mutual understanding and cooperation between our two countries and two peoples. The Chinese Embassy in South Sudan will render full support to the work of the Association.

Last but not the least, I’d like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to Chairman Barnaba Marial Benjamin. You have done a lot in promoting friendship between our two countries and two peoples. Your leadership is the key to the success of the Association. Thank you, board members and staff of the Association, for your hard work and important input.

Thank you all.