Turkey’s diplomat says his country and South Sudan have entered into a historical cooperation agreement following Turkish Airlines’ launch on Wednesday to provide direct flights between the two nations.
Turkish Airlines Boeing 737-900 MAX Aircraft landed at Juba International Airport yesterday (Wednesday) and will have three direct flights from Istanbul to Juba weekly.
Turkey Ambassador to South Sudan, Erdem Mutaf, says the launching of the airlines is instrumental for investment and bilateral relationship between the two countries.
He says the direct flight will help South Sudanese access the international markets and buy commodities at relatively low prices.
“This flight will be instrumental in enhancing the interaction between the Turkish and the South Sudanese nationals. It will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation between our countries,” Amb. Mutaf said.
South Sudan Vice President for Infrastructure Cluster H.E. Taban Deng Gai welcomes the airlines saying the connection will cement the relationship between the countries.
Deng says the operation of Turkish Airlines will strengthen trade, tourism, and diplomatic ties for both nations.
“I am confident that the connection by one of the best airlines globally and their coming to South Sudan cement our close ties. I welcome Turkish companies, big and small, to start operating in South Sudan,” Deng said.
David Subek Dada, the Chief Executive Officer, and Director of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, said the launching of Turkish airlines is a door opener for unrestricted movement.
He highlighted that South Sudan is a landlocked country that relies on air travel with over 80% operation of humanitarian services.
“This coming of Turkish airlines opens doors for us because we, like civil aviation, our main target and concern is to have a free and peaceful movement,” Subek said
The Vice President for the Economic Cluster, Dr. James Wani Igga, has called the Turkey government to train South Sudanese pilots.
“Bridging the continents, from managers to pilots, curbing crew, we would like you in your pilot schools to please accept some scholarships to train our pilots. We know dedication is vital, but if you dedicate yourself to people who are also introduced, I think cooperation will be maximum. Dr. Wani.
The airline operates in 129 countries flying to 328 destinations worldwide, and South Sudan became the new route for the Turkish national carrier.