Netanyahu and Kiir
Photo: GPO
Netanyahu, South Sudanese president meet
President Kiir discusses illegal migrant problems, joint ventures with PM; thanks Peres for UN support
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres met Tuesday with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, who is on his first official visit to Israel.
A statement by the Prime Minister's Office said that Netanyahu raised the issue of illegal South Sudanese migrants in the meeting.
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The two agreed that an Israeli mission will leave for South Sudan in the coming weeks to explore both the matter to returning African migrants to their respective countries, as well as mean in which Israel can assist in the fledgling nation's development.
Netanyahu and Kiir (Photo: GPO)
Prior to his meeting with Netanyahu, President Kiir met with President Peres. "This is an exciting and historical moment for me and for the State of Israel," Peres said.
"Israel will continue to support your nation's development in all aspects. I know you fought, sometimes against all odds, for the birth of South Sudan as a nation. It has become a milestone in the history of the Middle East and in the promotion of values such as freedom, equality and the pursuit of good neighborly relations."
Kiir reportedly thanked Peres for the warm welcome he received in Israel: "I am very excited to be here, to set foot in the Promised Land… Israel has always supported the South Sudanese people – we wouldn’t exist without you.
"You fought beside us to allow for the inception of South Sudan and we would like to learn from you.
"We have shared values," he added. "Throughout history we have overcome similar struggles. We will work with Israel in the future to bolster the strategic ties between out countries," he said.
South Sudan, he added, is interested in pursuing joint ventures with Israel in the fields of infrastructure, agriculture, water conservation and advanced technologies.
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