Brussels, 10/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - Cooperation priorities between the EU and South Sudan, which has only been independent since 9 July, will be clearer following the visit of European Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs to the country's capital Juba on Thursday 10 November.
Piebalgs was due to hold talks with President Salva Kiir and ministers of the South Sudanese government on the draft strategy for the development of the country, which was endorsed by the EU development ministers. The approval of the South Sudanese government is required before the European Commission and member states can begin joint planning of aid funding to this, the 79th member of the group of ACP (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific) states, linked to the EU through the Cotonou Agreement.
With President Salva Kiir accusing Sudan of warlike intent towards his country, discussions were expected to consider political relations between South Sudan and Sudan, human rights, good governance and tackling corruption. The thrust of EU development policy after 2013 was also due to be debated. (AN/transl.rt)