Press Release

Chairperson receives First Vice President of Sudan and President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit

On the margins of the 16th African Union Summit, which ended yesterday, 31 January 2011, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr. Jean Ping, received the First Vice President of Sudan and President of the Government of South Sudan, H.E. Mr. Salva Kiir Mayardit, who was attending the Summit.

The Chairperson warmly congratulated Mr. Salva Kiir and the people and leadership of Sudan on the successful completion of the referendum on self-determination, for having shown exemplary courage and commitment to peace. He added that the African Union looks forward to solemnly accepting the results of the referendum as soon as they are formally proclaimed.

Dr. Ping reiterated the readiness of the AU to work closely with the United Nations and friends of South Sudan for the construction of the country, destroyed by over two decades of war. He further stated that through the African Union High-level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, the AU will continue to engage the two parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) to find a peaceful solution to the post-referendum issues.

On his part, the First Vice President of Sudan and President of the Government of South Sudan thanked the African Union for its role in supporting the successful implementation of the CPA and welcomed the Solemn Declaration of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union on Sudan, adopted by the 16th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 31 January 2011.

Mr. Salva Kiir requested the AU to continue its support to South Sudan by mobilizing stakeholders who can help in the construction of the country.

Addis Ababa, 01 February 2011

Office of the Spokesperson to the Chairperson, African Union Commission, P.O. Box 3243 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tel: +251 11 551 7700 Ext. 401 Mobile: +251 91 151 1723 Email: NoureddineM@africa-union.org / n.mezni@gmail.com