New York, USA: In an Exclusive Interview to Abdul Rafay Afzal to The Advocate Post, David Nyang, the State Minister of Cabinet Affairs for South Sudan, discussed his country’s expanding cooperation with Muslim-majority nations, with particular emphasis on the unique and critical role played by Pakistan.

South Sudan, while fostering strong ties with several Muslim-majority countries, has singled out Pakistan for its pivotal contributions in the areas of defense and peacekeeping. According to Nyang, Pakistan’s support has been invaluable in bolstering South Sudan’s security forces, both through contributions to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and through the training of generations of South Sudanese military officers. This training, which has focused on counterinsurgency tactics and institutional expertise, has been integral to enhancing the capabilities of South Sudan’s armed forces.

“Our partnership with Pakistan holds unique strategic value, particularly in defense cooperation. Pakistan has not only contributed troops to UNMISS but has trained generations of our senior military officers, providing critical counterinsurgency and institutional expertise that directly strengthens our security forces. Pakistan’s military assistance complements our broader partnerships with other Muslim nations”

Nyang explained.

“While countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are deeply involved in development projects, and Qatar plays a role in peace mediation, it is Pakistan’s combination of peacekeeping, military training, and humanitarian aid that makes it an indispensable partner.”

Highlighting the growing relationship, Nyang confirmed that South Sudan is focused on expanding these ties, particularly in the realm of military training, as the country works towards stabilizing and developing its infrastructure post-conflict.

“The mutual respect shared between Pakistan and South Sudan, whether as a Christian-majority or Muslim-majority nation, has fostered a shared vision of a secure, prosperous South Sudan,” he concluded.

This partnership between South Sudan and Pakistan underscores the strategic importance of military and humanitarian cooperation, as both countries continue to work towards peace, security, and development in the region.

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