In a message delivered on America’s Independence Day, President Salva Kiir praised America for the support and solidarity that various administrations and people gave people of South Sudan during the years of the liberation struggle and a period leading to the conduct of the referendum in 2011.

The message from the president was delivered by the Youth and Sports minister, Joseph Geng Akech.

“The government and people of South Sudan join you in celebrating your country’s 248th birthday. A birthday that reminds other nations like ours that great can be built, a nation built on principles of freedom, justice, and equality took the American people’s sacrifices, dedication, and ambition to mold it”, said Akech.

The minister made the remarks at the 248th anniversary of the independence of the US celebrated on July 4 annually.

The event, held at the US embassy in Juba, was attended by the minister of Justice and Constitutional affairs, Ruben Madol, Finance minister Daniel Awou Chuang and Health minister Yolanda Awel Deng. Other officials included Ambassador Gordon Buay Malek, General Atem Marol Biar, Inspector General of Police, deputy chief of South Sudan’s army (SSPDF) Gabriel  Duop Lam, among others.

Akech commended the role the American people and governments had played in helping the country rise to the international stage by training some of the citizens to aspire and achieve their dreams in basketball.

“This is evident in our rise to be one in the basketball field. The majority of the players and management are in the  diaspora so you have an undeniable hand in our success. The United States is also one of the countries we appreciate for unreservedly supporting our heroic struggle for dignity, freedom, and liberty”, he explained

According to the minister, the role the American government played in other sectors cannot be underestimated.

“As you celebrate your 248th independence today (July 4th) we urge you to join in the building of our nation and helping overcome our challenges”, he stressed.

Relations between the United States and South Sudan have not been rosy, despite many officials continuing to recognize historical support.

In recent years, however, officials in successive US administrations feel the Juba regime has failed to model the administration of the young nation on the US system of governance.

(ST)