The new Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Paul Tholen on Tuesday presented a copy of his credentials to Ramadan Abdallah Goc, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan.
The new envoy was received by the minister in the company of South Sudan’s foreign ministry Director General of Protocol Amb. Philip Jada Natana and the Director General for European Affair,s Amb. Morris Batali.
According to a press statement from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Juba, Amb. Tholen arrived in South Sudan on 6 September 2024 and succeeded former Ambassador Marjan Schippers.
“This is his second posting to South Sudan, but in a different capacity, having served as Deputy Head of Mission in Juba from 2012 to 2015. While presenting his credentials, the representatives of the two countries expressed their hope to deepen and boost their bilateral relations,” the statement reads in part. “The South Sudanese foreign minister has granted H.E. Tholen a green light to carry on with his duties. Ambassador Tholen brings extensive experience in diplomacy and development, having worked in many different contexts.”
“Before returning to South Sudan this year, he served as Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Niger,” the statement added.
The Netherlands’ engagement with South Sudan dates back to the 1970s, long before independence. This year, the Netherlands celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Juba Nile Bridge, which was constructed with funds from the Netherlands and built by Dutch firm De Groot International.
“The Netherlands was one of the first countries to recognize South Sudan following its independence and the two countries’ bilateral relationship dates back to then. The Netherlands has supported South Sudan as a young nation from 2011 in its path to inclusive peace, accountability and political transition, and sustainable development,” the statement said. “Today, the Netherlands supports South Sudan through various forms of development cooperation, improving the livelihoods, resilience, and human rights of millions of South Sudanese citizens.”