By Matik Kueth
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has sent a message to Sudan’s Sovereign Council President, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, reaffirming South Sudan’s commitment to cooperation on oil security, energy, and bilateral relations amid tensions around key oil installations.
The message was delivered on Sunday in Port Sudan by Presidential Advisor on National Security Affairs Tut Gatluak, who led a high-level government delegation in talks with Sudan’s army leader, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan.
South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Monday Semaya Kumba, said the communication reflected “brotherly relations” between the two neighbors and underscored the need for continued coordination on matters of mutual concern.
He noted that President Kiir and General al-Burhan agreed to convene technical meetings focusing on the oil industry, investment, trade, and broader economic cooperation.
The diplomatic outreach comes in the wake of South Sudan’s deployment of troops to the Heglig oil field in West Kordofan earlier this month, a move aimed at securing vital infrastructure under a regional understanding.
Following the meeting, Sudanese officials said President al-Burhan directed relevant ministries to engage their counterparts in Juba to advance dialogue on energy, economic, and political issues.
The exchange highlights the strategic importance of oil cooperation to both countries, with South Sudan dependent on Sudan’s export infrastructure and Sudan reliant on transit revenues, making sustained engagement critical despite ongoing instability.