His Excellency Roar Haugsdal, the new Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan, on Wednesday presented his credentials to South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir in a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Juba.
According to a press statement by the Norwegian Embassy, the event marked the beginning of Ambassador Haugsdal’s term in office, during which he aims to “strengthen the long-standing relations between the two countries.”
In his remarks, Ambassador Haugsdal emphasized Norway’s commitment to South Sudan’s path to peace and prosperity.
“Norway has been a friend to the people of South Sudan for more than 50 years. We would want to see the people of South Sudan prosper and live safe and healthy lives,” he said.
“We had a conversation about the implementation of the peace agreement and the need for progress on election preparation. We also talked about the Tumaini Initiative, which Norway strongly supports—so that we can strive for our common goal of peace, security and stability,” he added.
Norway has provided significant support to South Sudan since the country’s independence in 2011 with contributions to peace negotiations, education initiatives and humanitarian assistance.
Last year, Norway provided more than 100 million USD in development and humanitarian support to South Sudan.
“Norway is a friend and will continue to be a friend of the people of South Sudan—bilaterally and as part of the Troika,” he concluded.
Ambassador Haugsdal arrived in South Sudan in September 2024. He succeeds former Ambassador Linken Nymann Berryman.
Prior to his appointment, Ambassador Haugsdal held prominent roles within the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Minister Counsellor and Charge d’affaires a.i. in Baghdad, Iraq, and Deputy Head of Mission in Amman Jordan. Ambassador Haugsdal has also served in the Department of Humanitarian Affairs, and at the Norwegian Embassy in The Hague in the Netherlands.