Riek Machar Teny made the acknowledgement in Kenya at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi during the celebrations to mark Kenya’s 48th Independence anniversary.
The vice president pointed out that his country is looking forward to learn a lot from Kenya’s thriving democracy and ability to stand out as a beacon of peace in a hostile environment, marked over the past years by war in Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda and Sudan.
Dr. Machar recalled how Kenya supported South Sudan during the war period, saying that Lokkichogio, a town in Kenya bordering South Sudan, was the life line of the people of South Sudan.
He thanked the government of Kenya for steering the Nairobi peace talks, which culminated to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, paving the way for peace and eventually the Independence of South Sudan on 9th July 2011.
Dr. Machar is leading a delegation of more than half of the cabinet of the Government of South Sudan which is in Kenya for a special retreat organized under the auspices of the Government of Kenya.