Ethiopia and South Sudan have signed an agreement in Juba to construct the Paloch – Mathiang – Maiwut – Pagak Road, which connects the two countries.
President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, witnessed the signing ceremony for the construction of the highway which connects Western Ethiopia with North Eastern South Sudan.
Ethiopia’s State Minister of Finance, Eyob Tekalign and South Sudanese Finance Minister, Dier Tong Ngor signed the agreement, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
President Salva Kiir said during the ceremony that the cross-border highway project would strengthen economic ties as well as 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.
From the Ethiopian side, the State Minister of Finance Eyob Tekalign, said that the construction of this road will not only provide seamless commercial connectivity but also rectify the artificial border separation and bring the people of 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, Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
According to ENA, both sides exchanged views on enhancing infrastructure development, including electricity, oil pipelines, and other components that accelerate regional economic integration.
The most anticipated construction of this road is expected to impact the economic activities of the sisterly countries as well as play a pertinent role in cementing peace in parts of the regions of both countries.