The East African bloc IGAD welcomed the meeting of President Salva Kiir and exiled opposition leader, Riek Machar in Juba.

The regional bloc, in a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj this afternoon, said the face-to-face meeting between the two leaders is part of the effort to iron out issues related to transitional security arrangements and the number of states and boundaries.

The body further said the face-to-face meeting is timely and an important step towards not only resolving challenges related to critical tasks but also building trust and confidence among the parties to the peace deal.

“In this regard, the IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan, Amb. Dr. Ismail Wais called on all the Parties to the R-ARCSS to show compromise and resolve all issues through dialogue,” the statement reads in part.

IGAD commended Sudan for facilitating and supporting the face-to-face meeting between Kiir and Machar in Juba, saying it will continue to encourage and support meetings between the two principals as well as among leaders of all parties to the September 2018 peace deal to ensure the timely formation of the unity government.

It also urged the international community to continue supporting the implementation of the peace agreement to meet the critical milestones set for the formation of the transitional government.

Machar, who under the terms of the peace agreement is to be reinstated as first vice president, is currently in Juba to hold talks with Kiir. The two leaders met on Monday and reviewed progress on security arrangements, a key part of the peace deal.

The second meeting between the two leaders is scheduled to take place on Wednesday morning to discuss issues related to the number of states and boundaries.

The meeting between President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar comes as a 12 November deadline approaches to form a new government.