The Government spokesperson said in a message of condolence to the people and Government of Ethiopia the death of Premier Meles Zenawi was a great loss to South Sudan.
The Ethiopian Government announced today that Mr Zenawi died on Monday. He was 57.
Barnaba Marial Benjamin told the press on Tuesday that Mr Zenawi was a good and close friend of President Salva Kiir Mayardit and a close ally of the people of South Sudan.
He described Mr Zenawi as a great pan-africanist.
Dr Marial recognized the role Mr Zenawi played in the negotiations between South Sudan and Sudan.
He said Mr Zenawi’s death was also a great loss to South Sudan.
Dr Marial presented also the condolences to the Sudan over Talodi’s plane crash that killed 31 people, including the minister of religious affairs.