Vice-President of the European Commission Joseph Borrell Fontelles and ministers of IGAD’s states welcomed the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government in South Sudan.
He stresses EU’s support for the peace process and encourages all parties to resolve outstanding bottlenecks, notable on the security arrangements.
Borrell praises Sudanese Foreign Minister, Asma Mohamed Abdallah, on Sudan’s election as IGAD chair and congratulates Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD’s new executive secretary.
The Vice-President of the European Commission also reiterates EU’s commitment to the region and cooperation with IGAD and its member states.
He welcomes IGAD’s 100 day plan and encourages its ongoing reforms, saying ‘we are currently working together on a wide agenda that ranges from peace and security to climate change and migration’.
Borrell adds the ‘new leadership in IGAD and the European Union gives an opportunity for a new form of partnership, better suited to the profound changes they are witnessing and that is better placed to advance of mutual interests’.
The EU stresses its readiness to help IGAD Member States to combat the dramatic desert locust invasion in the Horn of Africa with a contribution of 11 million Euros.
IGAD ministers express their appreciation for the EU’s constructive role in the region.