Juba, 31 May 2022 (TDI): Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development of Canada, visited South Sudan and announced assistance funding for the country.
His visit to the country was focused on food security, humanitarian and development assistance, and child protection in peacekeeping.
Minister Harjit Sajjan is also responsible for heading the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada.
Visit to South Sudan
He met with South Sudanese leaders including President Salva Kiir, First Vice President Riek Machar, Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior, and Foreign Minister Mayiik Ayii Deng. They discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the country as it pursues its transition to democracy.
Furthermore, they discussed the ongoing peace process and the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement and ceasefire. Likewise, they talked about the issues of women, security, and children
Moreover, he met held a meeting with Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for South Sudan, and other UN officials. They emphasized the importance of advancing the peacekeeping efforts. They also discussed the impact of climate change on peace and stability in South Sudan.
The Canadian minister also paid a visit to the Canada-funded Fortifying Equality and Economic Diversity for Resilience project. The project focuses on improving gender-responsive agricultural practices.
In addition, the Minister also met with internally displaced persons in Bentiu and with Canadian–South Sudanese graduates. He talked with graduates of the World University Service of Canada about the impact they are having in South Sudan.
Finally, he announced assistance funding up to $223.4 million for development and humanitarian projects. Out of the total, $202.65 million will go to bilateral development assistance, supporting food security, gender equality, and access to health services.
While the remaining $20.75 million will support the provision of food, nutrition, health, water, sanitation, and hygiene services to conflict-affected populations, including internally displaced people.
The Canadian Minister was on a visit to East Africa to advance cooperation between Canada and East African countries. He visited Kenya and Rwanda, announcing $68 million in international assistance.
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