On August 9, 2011, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks with his South Sudanese counterpart Deng Alor Kol in Juba.

Yang first sent Alor warm congratulations on the independence and establishment of the Republic of South Sudan. The relations between China and South Sudan started well, as leaders of the two countries attached great importance to the development of their ties, and both sides showed mutual respect and understanding for each other and accommodated each other's core concerns, Yang said, expressing China's appreciation for South Sudan's adherence to the one-China policy.

China is willing to develop comprehensive and friendly cooperative relations with South Sudan on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Yang said. He also raised the following proposals for the development of bilateral ties. First, the two countries should enhance the contacts at top and other levels to strengthen mutual political trust, and should set up a legal framework for the exchanges and cooperation in all areas. China welcomes the embassy of South Sudan to be established in Beijing as soon as possible, Yang said. Second, both sides should push forward pragmatic cooperation to achieve mutual benefit. China is ready to assist South Sudan in its development and improve people's living standards. China hopes to effectively cooperate with South Sudan in the areas such as oil, agriculture, mineral exploration, housing construction, communications, water conservancy and transportation, Yang said. Third, both sides should keep closer exchanges and cooperation in people-to-people and cultural areas to cement the basis of public support for bilateral friendly exchanges. Fourth, both sides should enhance coordination in international and regional affairs.

On the relations between Sudan and South Sudan, Yang said peace will bring benefit to both sides, while confrontation can only do harm to them. A neighborly and friendly relationship between Sudan and South Sudan is not only beneficial to the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also helpful for the lasting peace and stability in the region. Yang hoped both sides will uphold the belief in peace and the spirit of mutual accommodation and settle the outstanding issues through dialogue and friendly consultation. China is ready to work with the international community to play a positive role in promoting peaceful coexistence between Sudan and South Sudan and safeguarding regional peace and stability.

Alor said South Sudan has a traditional friendly relationship with China. He said after long-standing efforts, South Sudan has gained independence. South Sudan looks forward to enhancing cooperation with China as all fields are under development in the newly-established country. He hoped that China will become the new republic's main partner in its development. South Sudan is ready to maintain friendly relations with Sudan to settle outstanding issues between both sides. As China's international influence is rising, South Sudan welcomes China to play an active role in this regard.

Both sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues.

At the invitation of his South Sudanese counterpart Deng Alor Kol, Foreign Minister Yang arrived in Juba on August 9 for an official visit to South Sudan.