Tut Gatluak to lead high-level delegation to Qatar for bilateral talks

JUBA – Presidential Security Advisor Tut Gatluak Manime is set to lead a high-level South Sudanese government delegation to the State of Qatar for bilateral talks aimed at strengthening diplomatic, political, and economic cooperation between Juba and Doha.

According to a statement released by the presidential press unit on Friday, the delegation was dispatched on the directive of President Salva Kiir and is tasked with delivering a special presidential message to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The delegation includes senior officials drawn from the ministries of Finance, Petroleum, Transport, and other relevant government institutions. Officials said the composition of the team reflects the government’s intention to hold wide-ranging discussions covering both political engagement and economic cooperation.

In the statement, Gatluak said the delegation is travelling with clear presidential directives to engage Qatari leaders on issues of mutual interest and shared concern.

He noted that deliberations will focus on identifying opportunities to expand cooperation in key sectors considered critical to South Sudan’s development and economic recovery.

“The delegation has been mandated to engage Qatari officials on priority areas and explore practical ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation,” the statement said.

Government officials said the visit comes at a time when South Sudan is intensifying efforts to diversify its international partnerships, attract foreign investment, and strengthen diplomatic ties beyond the region.

Qatar, a major regional economic and diplomatic actor, has increasingly played a role in mediation, development financing, and investment across Africa.

While details of specific agreements to be discussed were not disclosed, officials indicated that talks are expected to cover areas such as investment promotion, energy and petroleum cooperation, infrastructure development, transport, and financial engagement.

The date of departure of the delegation to Doha had not been announced at the time of publication.