By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Ethiopia , June 05, 2026 - Ethiopia has launched a four-day diplomatic training programme for South Sudanese diplomats in Addis Ababa, underscoring growing cooperation between the two neighbouring countries and their shared commitment to regional peace, integration and diplomatic capacity building.
The training, organized by the Ethiopian Institute of Foreign Affairs, brings together South Sudanese diplomats for sessions focusing on Pan-Africanism, African unity, negotiation skills, strategic networking and contemporary diplomatic practice amid evolving regional and global challenges.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Institute of Foreign Affairs, Jafar Bediru, said the initiative reflects the long-standing relationship between Ethiopia and South Sudan, which has been shaped by years of cooperation, peace-building efforts and regional solidarity.
Bediru noted that the two countries, alongside Sudan, have shared important historical milestones, including the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that paved the way for South Sudan's eventual independence in 2011.
He said Ethiopia's support during South Sudan's formative years had helped establish a relationship founded on trust, mutual respect and neighbourly cooperation.
The institute chief also linked the training programme to broader efforts aimed at strengthening economic and infrastructure ties between the two countries. He pointed to ongoing plans to develop cross-border transport and energy corridors designed to improve trade, facilitate movement of goods and services and enhance access to strategic resources.
According to Bediru, such projects are expected to deepen economic integration while reducing reliance on a single external trade route.
Against the backdrop of changing regional dynamics, including the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Sudan, Bediru stressed the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and regional cooperation in addressing emerging challenges.
“Building strong diplomatic ties today can shape relationships for decades,” Bediru said.
He urged diplomats from the region to view peace-building as a shared responsibility and to prioritize efforts that promote stability and prosperity for communities affected by conflict and insecurity.
More from Ethiopia
South Sudan's Deputy Head of Mission in Ethiopia, Ambassador Boutros Thok Deng, described the training as a valuable opportunity for diplomats to strengthen their professional skills at a time when diplomacy is becoming increasingly complex.
Deng said today's diplomats are expected to play a broader role beyond representing their countries abroad.
“Modern diplomats are not only responsible for representing their countries, but also for contributing to peace-building efforts, conflict resolution, regional integration, and economic cooperation,” he said.
The ambassador expressed appreciation to the Ethiopian government and the Ethiopian Institute of Foreign Affairs for organizing the programme, describing it as an important platform for knowledge sharing and professional development.
He encouraged participants to make full use of the training by engaging with facilitators, exchanging experiences and building networks that can strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
The programme comes as Ethiopia and South Sudan continue to deepen cooperation in trade, infrastructure, security and regional diplomacy. Both countries are key members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which has played a central role in efforts to promote peace, economic integration and political stability across the Horn of Africa.
Analysts say such diplomatic exchanges are increasingly important as countries in the region seek collaborative solutions to shared challenges ranging from conflict and displacement to economic development and cross-border connectivity.
The training is expected to conclude with participants receiving practical insights into modern diplomatic practice and regional cooperation, further reinforcing the longstanding ties between Addis Ababa and Juba.