Mongolian President becomes first Asian premier to visit South Sudan
Part of the Mongolian UN Peace Keepers in South Sudan giving respect upon the arrival of their President at the Juba International Airport, February 15.
Elbegdorj was given a warm welcome from South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and the United Nations Special Envoy to South Sudan Hilde F. Johnson when he landed at Juba International Airport.
Government spokesperson Barnaba Marial underlined the significance of the visit for South Sudan, noting that many of the troops on the United Nation’s mission come from Mongolia.
Elbegdorj was scheduled to visit Mongolian troops in Bentiu, Unity State and Rumbek, Lakes State.
The President and the people of the Republic of South Sudan are happy to receive the President of Mongolia. We warmly welcome him,” Marial said.
Benjamin Barnaba Marial (right) and Hilde F. Johnson address the press after Elbegdor’s arrival, February 15.
However, he complained about the backdrop of political tension with the country’s long-standing foe, Sudan, which reportedly bombed Jaw, an area in Unity State where the Mongolian President is set to visit.
The United Nation’s Hilde F. Johnson said Mongolia has two contingents of UN Peace Keepers deployed in South Sudan, part of a bid to maintain stability in a nation whose greatest challenge is insecurity.
We are really pleased with the troops’ performance,” she said. They are duty bearers that never hesitate being sent to hotspots areas and have done that many times,” she said. We think it’s great that the President is coming to visit them and support them.”
