Ethiopia Launches Diplomatic Training for South Sudanese Diplomats

Addis ababa: Ethiopia has launched a specialized four-day diplomatic training program for South Sudanese diplomats in Addis Ababa, aimed at elevating bilateral cooperation and sharpening the diplomatic capabilities of the two neighboring nations.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the comprehensive curriculum delves into the historic triumphs of Pan-Africanism, its enduring role in fostering African unity, and the intricate arts of negotiation and strategic networking within contemporary African diplomacy. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Ethiopian Institute of Foreign Affairs Executive Director Jafar Bediru emphasized that this milestone initiative mirrors a deeply rooted history of partnership, peace-building, and profound regional solidarity.Jafar underscored that Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan have walked hand in hand through pivotal regional milestones, most notably the historic 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and South Sudan's dawn of independence in 2011. He noted that Ethiopia's unwaver ing support for South Sudan through its defining historical moments has forged a relationship anchored in mutual trust and enduring neighborly devotion.The Executive Director linked the training to the ongoing transformative infrastructure projects between the two nations, highlighting the ambitious development of cross-border transport and energy corridors. He noted that Ethiopia and South Sudan are building vital connectivity routes designed to foster trade, seamless services, and resource accessibility, effectively liberating both nations from dependency on a single external trade pathway.Amidst the backdrop of shifting regional dynamics and the ongoing conflict in Sudan, Jafar stressed the paramount importance of proactive diplomatic engagement. He urged regional diplomats to embrace peace-building as a responsibility dedicated to the well-being of the communities closest to the affected areas. 'Building strong diplomatic ties today can shape relationships for decades,' Jafar stressed.Echoing these sentiments, South Sudan's Deputy Head of Mission in Ethiopia, Ambassador Boutros Thok Deng, hailed the training as an invaluable sanctuary for refining diplomatic finesse and professional excellence in an era where global affairs grow increasingly complex. Deng remarked that modern diplomats are not only responsible for representing their countries, but also for contributing to peace-building efforts, conflict resolution, regional integration, and economic cooperation.Expressing gratitude to the Government of Ethiopia and the Institute of Foreign Affairs, Deng described it as a privilege for South Sudanese diplomats to receive such structured, high-caliber training in Addis Ababa. He inspired the participating diplomats to immerse themselves fully in the sessions, absorb the wisdom of the facilitators, and nurture lasting relationships that will continue to anchor the unbreakable bond between Ethiopia and South Sudan.