AMN Plus-July 2, 2026
Ethiopia’s Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Kassahun Gofe (PhD), has held fruitful discussions with Hon. Boyoi Gola, Chief Administrator of the Greater Pibor Special Administrative Area of South Sudan, focusing on strengthening bilateral trade relations, enhancing border security, and improving the performance of cross-border trade.
Kassahun emphasized that Ethiopia and South Sudan, as neighboring countries, share a deep-rooted friendship and enjoy comprehensive bilateral relations with significant untapped potential in economic and trade cooperation. He noted that both sides recognize the importance of transforming this potential into tangible benefits for communities living along the shared border.
According to the Minister, the two parties reached an agreement to work closely on the effective implementation of the Border Trade Protocol, which is designed to directly benefit border communities in both countries.
He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to ensuring the proper execution of the agreement, including undertaking the necessary legal and administrative measures to guarantee that border populations receive the services and opportunities they deserve.
Kassahun further underscored the need to curb illegal cross-border trade and gradually transition toward a structured, formal, and mutually beneficial economic partnership. He stressed that strengthening legal trade channels would enhance transparency, boost government revenues, and support sustainable livelihoods in border areas.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation to include the Greater Pibor Special Administrative Area, with both sides agreeing to deepen engagement and collaborate on initiatives aimed at promoting shared prosperity and regional stability, according to Ethiopian Embassy-Juba
