Meeting of the g7+ concludes in the world’s newest state

The Secretary of State for the Council of Ministers and
Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
Ágio Pereira

October 19, 2011
Juba, South Sudan

Historic meeting of the g7+ concludes in the world’s newest state

The President of the Republic of South Sudan closed the first ever g7+ retreat today in Juba, South Sudan. Sharing the table with the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Xanana Gusmão and the chair of the g7+, Her Excellency Emilia Pires, the President of South Sudan noted that this was the first international conference in the new Republic which celebrated it’s independence on the 9th of July this year, making it the world’s newest nation.

His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit reflected that “It could not be more appropriate that the first international conference in an independent South Sudan has brought together the membership of the g7+ to share experiences, to learn from one other and to develop a common position that reflect our collective experience.”

The two-day retreat was a highly successful event with over 40 delegates representing 13 countries.

In her wrap up of the retreat the Chair of the g7+ and Minister of Finance for Timor-Leste Emilia Pires noted that the voice of the g7+ had been consolidated and strengthened because of the Juba retreat with many issues being covered. These included further refinement of the Peacebuilding and Statebuilding Goals (PSGs), the development of the Fragility Spectrum, the consideration of indicators that could be adopted to help fragile and conflict-affected nations and a number of matters related to the ongoing structure of the g7+ and communications strategy. An announcement made by South Sudan’s Minster of Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Kosti Manibe, of a generous $75,000 donation to support of the g7+ was deeply appreciated by all the g7+ members.

During the event Guinea and Togo became new members of the g7+ family bringing the number of countries now involved to 19.

The next event for the group is the 4th High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness which will take place in around six weeks time in Busan, South Korea. The g7+ will bring to that forum a “New Deal” to improve aid effectiveness and accelerate development in all fragile and conflict-affected nations. When this is widely endorsed this initiative is set to make a huge difference in the effectiveness of aid around the globe, contributing to the welfare of many people beyond the circle of the g7+.

The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste supported the g7+ with great passion over the days of the retreat and also used the opportunity whilst in Juba to meet with Ministers and members of the Government of South Sudan in order to extend to the new nation, on of behalf of Timor- Leste, a hand of friendship and solidarity. Mr. Gusmão also met members of civil society and donors in a positive exchange to further the discussion on improving the delivery of aid.

The Prime Minister reflecting on the visit said that “To be here at this time, a few days after the 100 day milestone since independence, where South Sudan became the world’s newest nation, is special for us all. We not only congratulate South Sudan on its independence; we also celebrate the birth of this new nation” He went on to say “We commend the people of South Sudan for their courage, their sacrifice and their determination to achieve independence. And not only do we wish this new nation a bright future, we also pledge to do all that we can to support South Sudan in becoming a strong, successful and peaceful State.”

In his final closing words South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir said that he looked forward to a continuing and sustained partnership with Timor-Leste and all g7+ countries, affirmed that “by learning from one another, we can ensure that we confine fragility and conflict to history forever.”

ENDS