European Union

President. Salva Kiir Mayardit and the accompanying delegation on Tuesday 20th March, 2012, held a series of productive meetings at the EU Headquarters in Brussels with EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid Ms. Kristina Geogieva, EU Commissioner for Development Mr. Andris Piebalgs and High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Ms. Catherine Ashton.  In his meetings with the commissioners President of the Republic discussed conditions of refugees in South Sudan and he exchanged views on the developmental challenges in South Sudan.  President of the Republic after that held separate meeting with President of the European Council Mr. Hermann Van Rompuy and with President of the European Commission Mr. Jose' Manuel Barroso.   President Kiir announced that EU reiterated commitments for humanitarian assistance in RSS to ensure internal stability. President Kiir also announced that EU earmarked 285 million Euros for development projects in South Sudan, which will be prioritized to areas of food security, education and healthcare. President Kiir declared to the press that RSS has submitted the letter of intent to join membership of COTONOU organization, which will be beneficial to the new state and its coming generations.  President of the European Commission Mr. Jose' Manuel Barroso welcomed the decision of the RSS to join COTONOU agreement which he affirmed that will allow further mobilization for development assistance from EU for the periods of 2014 - 2020 and free marketing access with EU.