Poland establishes ties with world's newest nation
PR dla Zagranicy
Peter Gentle
31.01.2013 15:31
Poland has established formal diplomatic relations with the world's youngest country, South Sudan, which was founded in July 2011.
photo - gemini.info.usaid.gov
Poland's ambassador to Ethiopia, Jacek Jankowsk, signed the documents establishing relations with the new East African nation in its capital, Juba, on 31 January.
“The establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries is a milestone in the development of bilateral ties,” Ambassador Jankowski said after signing the agreement with the Republic of South Sudan, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.
“[The agreement] opens up broad possibilities of cooperation in the international arena and makes it possible to successfully support Polish entrepreneurs interested in the local market. It will also facilitate numerous initiatives taken in the framework of Poland’s development cooperation,” he added.
The land-locked country, with a population of 8 million, declared independence from the Republic of Sudan after being an autonomous region since 2005.
South Sudan is still in conflict with North Sudan over oil rights, and has been fighting a war against breakaway rebels in the east.
Fighting between rebels from the eastern state of Jonglei and South Sudan’s military last weekend left five civilians dead, with 2,000 people forced seek refuge at the United Nations' base in Pibor, United Nations spokesman, Kouider Zerrouk, said Monday. (pg)