Interior Minister Angelina Teny arriving for the Europe Day Reception.

The European Union Delegation to South Sudan has once again organised an uplifting Europe Day in Juba, South Sudan. Europe Day is celebrated in Europe and 140 delegations around the world to commemorate the historic Schuman Declaration, which aimed at making war unthinkable among European nations after the devastating First and Second World Wars.

Ahead of Europe Day, the Delegation in partnership with Juba Film Festival also organised a four-day European Cinema Days, the first of its kind in Juba, to promote cultural exchanges, inspire local film makers, encourage and support the creative industry in the fledgling nation.

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Participants of the first European Cinema Days at the Notos Art Centre.

In his Europe Day address, Timo Olkkonen, the EU Ambassador to South Sudan, reiterated the need for the Transitional Unity Government and its international partners to sincerely work together to address the humanitarian, political, economic and social challenges facing the new nation.

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"The EU, as one of the main donors to South Sudan, recently joined several other members of the international community in reminding the Government of the imperative not to tax aid. I welcome the government's confirmation that this is indeed not the intention. I cannot stress enough that what matters is implementation," Ambassador Olkkonen stressed. "We need to see the trucks moving and have the assurance that the UN and the humanitarian community can continue their life-saving and peace-keeping work.”

According to the Ambassador, the EU as a political actor fully supports the ongoing peace process and transition in South Sudan towards a democratic, stable and prosperous country.

“It is not for the EU to prescribe the political future of South Sudan. The South Sudanese themselves need to take the necessary decisions on how to complete the transition. I still think the prospects of a permanent constitution and the first elections of an independent country are of the kind that should evoke patriotism and enthusiasm. We hope that the ongoing processes like the UNMISS-supported inter-party dialogue or the Kenyan mediation efforts will very soon bear fruits in this regard and that the stakeholders come together to forge consensus,” he said on the forthcoming elections.

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Guests listening to Ambassador Timo Olkkonen's Europe Day speech.

Speaking as chief guest, the newly appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Monday Semaya Kumba hailed the EU for its continuous support to the people of South Sudan.

"We are satisfied with the existing bilateral relations between us and the European Union. We look forward to further engagements within the framework of our existing cooperation in various fields, including the European Union's support for our efforts to implement development projects in South Sudan," said Hon. Semaya. "We also look forward to working with the European Union and its member states in areas such as mineral, agricultural and industrial development, capacity building and climate change. I also want to reassure the European Union and its member states, and other international partners of our commitment as a government to continue supporting your work here.”

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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Monday Semaya Kumba speaking as chief guest at the Europe Day reception.

South Sudan's Ministers of Interior, Angelina Teny, Roads and Bridges, Simon Mijok Mijak, Livestock and Fisheries, Onyoti Adigo, regional and international diplomats, UN and non-governmental organisations, media, civil society and other development partner representatives graced the event at Notos Lounge in Juba town.

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