South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and Japan government officials on Saturday discussed the revitalised peace deal.

Speaking after the meeting, Japan’s foreign minister, Taro Kono said they are willing to support the peace process in South Sudan.

“I reiterated my determination that Japan will continue to play a significant role and take the responsibility of supporting the development of South Sudan and consolidation of peace,” he said.

In September last year, South Sudan’s arch-foes signed a revitalized peace agreement to end the country’s civil war that killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions.

South Sudan’s rival parties last week agreed on a six-month extension to implement next steps in the fragile peace deal. The parties identified lack of political will, financing and time constraints as the major challenges that have delayed implementation process.

Kono promised to work closely with his South Sudanese counterpart, Nhial Deng Nhial and disclosed that President Kiir would visit Japan during the summer to discuss his nation’s peace process.

The Japanese minister said the Freedom Bridge being constructed in Juba would be completed by July next year.

“The bridge is a symbol of Japan’s cooperation with South Sudan. We will continue to work with Japanese companies for early completion of the projects to finish up the construction of the Freedom Bridge by July next year,” he said.

On his part, South Sudan’s foreign minister Nhial Deng Nhial lauded the Japanese government for supporting development projects in South Sudan.

“We are very delighted that H.E Kono selected South Sudan as part of his brief itinerary. Japan is the only country that has rendered developmental plans such as infrastructure, education and peace implementation,” said Nhial.

Information and communication minister, Micheal Makuei Lueth, finance and economic planning minister, Salvatore Garang Mabiordit and the Japanese ambassador to South Sudan, Seiji Okada attended the meeting.