SPLM-In Opposition authorities from Akobo East County and their counterparts from Tergol County in Ethiopia have agreed to share resources and improve trade across the international border.
After a one-day conference in Gambella organized by Etihiopian authorities, the two sides agreed to control poaching by jointly patrolling game parks and to peacefully share grazing and fishing areas. They also agreed on standard fishing net sizes.
The delegates said they would promote trade between the SPLM-IO-declared Bieh state and Ethiopia’s Gambella Region.
Gambella State Minister of Justice Thomas Tut Puk said his government would lift all restrictions on goods crossing into South Sudan and reduce taxes on exports from Ethiopia. Gambella authorities have previously restricted exportation of goods especially sugar, fuel, and food stuffs into South Sudan.
Besides Minister Tut, the conference was attended by Gambella State Minister of Informatiom Chuol Chany Kier and Tergol County Commissioner Simon Dol from the Ethiopia side.
From the South Sudanese side, attendees included Akobo East county commissioner Tut Chot Rial along with six other county officials and members of the Nuer Peace Committee.
This latest conference follows a cross border peace agreement struck between the two counties earlier this month.