[Juba, South Sudan,TCT] – South Sudan is committed to have robust bilateral ties with the United States despite the arms embargo imposed by Washington recently, according to a government official on Friday,
Foreign Ministry spokesman Mawien Makol told TCT in Juba that the arms embargo will not affect Juba's quest for fruitful cooperation with the U.S.
"We are working on ways to re-organize our mutual relationship with the (Donald) Trump Administration as a way to address some of the concerns affecting the two countries' cooperation," Makol said.
Last week, South Sudan recalled its ambassador to the United States, a day after the American government imposed an arms embargo on South Sudan.
“South Sudan has been a beneficiary of U.S aid since the 21 years of liberation struggle, so we can’t depart relations with our great partners,” he said.
The diplomat said the U.S has followed her former foe nation to recognize the independence of the world’s newest nation on July 9 2011.
Mawien said it is hard for Juba to trash America’s great support during the times the young nation needs more partners to help her reconstruct the country from its trajectory and suffering.
Earlier this year, U.S Ambassador Nikki Haley said Washington has invested over $11 billion since the east African oil-rich nation gained its independent in 2011.
Subsequently, Washington on Friday announced an arms embargo on South Sudan and urged the UN Security Council to enforce a global arms ban on the world's youngest nation.
South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after a political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar led to fighting between soldiers loyal to Kiir against those loyal to Machar.
The 2015 peace agreement to end the violence was again violated in July 2016 when the rival factions resumed fighting in the capital forcing Machar to flee into exile.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions that have sought refuge in neighboring countries.