South Sudan and Somalia Forge Deeper Ties, Agree on New Trade Framework
JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN – November 12, 2025 – In a significant move to bolster economic cooperation, South Sudan’s Vice President, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, met with the Somali Ambassador to South Sudan, H.E. Jamal Hassan Khalif, on Wednesday. The high-level discussions centered on strengthening bilateral and economic relations between the two East African nations.
The meeting, held in the capital Juba, yielded a concrete agreement to develop a formal trade framework. This framework is designed to ensure mutual benefits, strengthen institutional ties, and foster the confidence necessary for long-term investments.
According to a readout from the meeting, the leaders explored avenues for stronger partnerships across several key sectors. These included enhancing trade and investment, improving infrastructure connectivity, and encouraging collaboration between the private sectors of both countries.
Vice President Bol Mel commended Ambassador Khalif for his dedication to advancing the relationship. He specifically encouraged the Ambassador to inspire Somali investors to adopt a more transformative approach in South Sudan.
“The Vice President… encouraged him to inspire Somali investors to go beyond trading to building in South Sudan, employing South Sudanese, and developing local capacity,” the statement noted. This emphasis highlights the government’s priority on fostering not just commerce, but also sustainable job creation and skills transfer.
The discussions align with the broader economic vision of the administration of President Salva Kiir Mayardit. The government reiterated its commitment to welcoming investors from all friendly nations to participate in building what it describes as a “land of opportunity.”
This diplomatic engagement is seen as a step towards creating a more resilient, diversified, and inclusive economy for the people of South Sudan, while simultaneously expanding Somalia’s economic partnerships within the region.
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