JUBA, July 5 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan on Friday hailed the appointment of Kenya's former vice-president Kalonzo Musyoka as President Uhuru Kenyatta's special envoy to Juba, saying the move will boost ties between two neighboring countries.
Mawien Makol, foreign affairs' ministry spokesman, lauded Musyoka's contribution towards successful implementation of the 2005 comprehensive peace agreement and the 2011 referendum that paved way for creation of the republic of South Sudan.
Makol said that Musyoka has a better understanding of the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in South Sudan.
"The government welcomes his appointment and his addition to the effort that is being exerted here by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the region," Makol told Xinhua.
"Kalonzo is a very diligent leader who is well informed about South Sudan issues and the problem the young country is facing, so he is a perfect diplomat," he added.
Kenya on Tuesday announced the appointment of Musyoka as Kenyatta's special envoy to Juba to help shore up efforts to achieve durable peace and stability in the world's youngest republic.
The appointment was made shortly after South Sudan President Salva Kiir made a two day state visit to Kenya.
"The envoy is not new to South Sudan, he has been engaged in South Sudanese and Sudanese issues from his time as a foreign affairs minister during the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signing in 2005 before his vice-president role in Kenya, so he is fully aware of the issues of our country," said Makol.
