Shoukry arrives in Juba to attend South Sudan independence celebrations

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry arrived in Juba Thursday to attend celebrations marking the fourth anniversary of South Sudan's independence.

Shoukry - who will attend celebrations on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi - was welcomed upon arrival by South Sudan Foreign Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin and a number of senior officials.

On the fringe of the celebrations, Shoukry will forward a verbal message to South Sudan President Salva KiiR Mayardit on means of cementing bilateral ties.

Shoukry and Kiir are scheduled to review the latest political and security developments in the African state and means of reaching a political solution between the government and the opposition.

The two sides will also tackle a raft of African issues, topped by security and stability in the Horn of Africa.

In statements upon arrival, Shoukry said his participation in the celebrations reflect the depth of the Cairo-Juba ties.

Shoukry underscored Egypt's keenness to support South Sudan and exert all needed efforts to help the African state overcome the current stalemate.

A number African leaders and top officials, including Congolese President Joseph Kabila and Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, will also take part in the event.

During the celebrations, Islamic and Christian religious figures will participate in religious ceremonies.

Also, Folkloric and popular shows will be presented.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in July 2011 as the outcome of a 2005 peace deal that ended Africa's longest-running civil war.

An overwhelming majority of South Sudanese voted in a January 2011 referendum to secede and become Africa's first new country since Eritrea split from Ethiopia in 1993.