Kenya and South Sudan have said they will continue seeking ways to strengthen trade relations between them.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma Tuesday 17 june said they had planned a series of talks ahead of a visit by President Salva Kiir to Nairobi.

Dr Juma said Kenya would be seeking to benefit from South Sudan's wealth as a form of payment for her peacekeeping efforts in the country.

Juma said among other things, they planned to launch the first ever joint commission for cooperation with Juba.

"Both the Kenyan and South Sudanese teams will be negotiating a number of instruments to govern the relationship between the two countries as far as trade and investment are concerned,” Juma said during a joint Press conference with her Southern Sudanese counterpart, Regional Affairs Minister Nhial Deng Nhial, in Nairobi.

Juma said also to be discussed during President Kiir's visit would be review of security and management of the border between the two countries.

The two delegations will also discuss how to fast-track implementation of the peace process in South Sudan and how Kenya could cooperate on regional infrastructure development.

Deng said South Sudan was keen on strengthening relationship with Kenya as neighbors. "We'll also discuss various bilateral agreements and explore ways of working together in the region," Deng said.

 “As always, we are grateful for Kenya's contribution to South Sudan, key among them peace and security," he said.

Also expected to feature in the talks is the ease of movement of persons and goods between the two countries.

Since joining the East Africa Community in April 2016, South Sudan has been keen to improve relations with countries in the bloc.

by standardmedia.co.ke