On Sept. 23, 2013, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met at the UN headquarters, New York with Foreign Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin of South Sudan.

Wang Yi expressed that China attaches great importance to developing relations with South Sudan and is ready, based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, to continue to push for the unceasing exploration and deepening of bilateral friendly cooperative relations. The relations between Sudan and South Sudan have recently been easing off markedly and we feel pleased. China always believes that cooperation between Sudan and South Sudan benefits both, while confrontation hurts both. Only through peaceful coexistence, can common development be achieved. China is ready to work with the international community to continue unremitting efforts for improving the relations between Sudan and South Sudan.

Benjamin expressed that the South Sudanese side is sincerely grateful for China’s support before and after the independence of South Sudan. South Sudan is committed to strengthening relations with China and looks forward to conducting mutually beneficial cooperation with China in the fields of energy resources, agriculture and education.