Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday called on South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit to consolidate peace dividends to accelerate the country’s social and economic growth, reported Capital News. President Kiir arrived in Nairobi on Monday for a two-day state visit to Kenya.
During a state banquet hosted for Kiir and his delegation in Nairobi, Kenyatta said it is the right moment when patriotic men and women of Africa’s youngest nation should work together to secure their place in the national, regional, continental and global arena.
“The leadership of South Sudan, across the entire spectrum, have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to forge for a lasting peace that provides the internal stability and enabling environment for your country’s take-off, both economically and socially,” Kenyatta told visiting South Sudan President Salva Kiir.
The Kenyan President went on to urge the South Sudan leaders to put aside their differences and work to bring unity, peace, and security to their nation.
“South Sudan, at this moment, can crystallize the optimism and hope that all nations of the world had for it when your nation gained independence on 9th July 2011,” Mr. Kenyatta said.
The President said that Kenya, on its part, will provide all technical and diplomatic support to South Sudan to create all-inclusive transitional mechanisms and institutions needed for the full realization of that nation’s democracy.
He added that South Sudan will be able to take advantage of the immense opportunities available on the African continent such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) and the East African Community.
President Kiir thanked the Kenyan President for inviting him for the state visit. He said the invitation has strengthened Kenya and South Sudan’s bond of friendship.
“I want to assure that South Sudanese and the great people of Kenya are one people,” Kiir said adding, “We share common borders and we are good neighbors.”
