Alex Bullen
Africa-Press – South-Sudan. South Sudan and China pledged commitment to bilateral ties during the celebration of the Chinese New Year in Juba.
The event, which was hosted by the Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan, MA Qiang, featured a flurry of activities and was attended by many South Sudanese officials, among them Juba City Mayor, Michael Lado Allah-Jabu.
Addressing the event, Mr Qiang said 2023 will mark the beginning of the Chinese government’s complete implementation of the guiding principles established to develop continued China-South Sudan relations.
“In the New Year, the Chinese Embassy will continue to make every effort to promote the healthy and stable development of China-South Sudan relations,” Ambassador Qiang said.
According to him, one of China’s major priorities in South Sudan is to uphold the people-centered development ideology and carry out its commitment to helping the people through diplomacy.
Amb. Qiang added that there are myriad chances for the advancement of relations between China and South Sudan in the spirit of progress.
“I hope that all of you, as representatives of the friendship between China and South Sudan, can do business in line with the law and in good faith, respect local laws and customs, and actively perform social duties,” Amb. Qiang said,
Also, he reiterated the Chinese embassy’s commitment to enhancing relations with the Juba City Council and South Sudanese citizens from all walks of life to create a favourable business environment for Chinese companies working toward shared development goals.
“As an international witness to the Revitalised Peace Agreement, China has always respected the sovereignty and independent position of South Sudan and supported South Sudan in exploring a modernization path that suits its national conditions, in advancing its peace process, and in achieving sustainable development.”
He outlined some of China’s recent achievements in South Sudan, such as the technical cooperation project in education, the SSBC TV broadcasting facilities, the Jur River Bridge in Wau, the Juba Teaching Hospital, and others that are progressing.
Ambassador Qiang added that Chinese enterprises and the Chinese community have engaged in infrastructure construction, supermarket, hotel, and hospital operations, logistics, and trade promotion.
Meanwhile, Allah-Jabu extended his gratitude to the Chinese community for their excellent work in progressing the city.
He said China and South Sudan have had diplomatic ties for a long time and will continue to do so.
“I would like to reiterate the commitment of the leadership of Juba city council to continue working closely with the leadership of the two embassies in addressing issues of mutual concern and understanding in close coordination with the ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation and other related institutions and authorities in Juba.”
Allah-Jabu pledged to open a Chinese desk at the Juba City Council’s office as part of his commitment to establishing direct communication with the Chinese and his administration to further development goals.
“Juba City Council will continue to encourage Chinese businesses, gradually enhance the business climate, and foster the vitality of business in order to realize reciprocal benefits and win-win collaboration for both sides.”
In September last year, the Juba City Council, the Chinese Embassy, the Chinese Business Association, and the Overseas Chinese Association in South Sudan jointly held a workshop on investment, which provided policy guidance for Chinese enterprises.
Chinese New Year’s reception is the most important celebration observed in China, with cultural and historic significance. The festival signals the beginning of spring, and the start of a new year, according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
The festival is celebrated across the country, but it also has many related celebrations in nations and ethnic groups having ties with China.
Source: The City Review South Sudan
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