South Sudan Vice President Gen Taban Deng Gai will Friday address the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in what appears a big strategy to elevate his international image.
Considered a moderate and peacemaker, Gen Taban took over from the controversial rebel leader Dr Riek Machar following a bloody conflict in Juba in July.
At least 300 soldiers were killed in the clashes at the presidential palace commonly known as JI before Machar fled to Equatoria forests and eventually Khartoum, Sudan.
ChimpReports understands Gen Taban has led a delegation comprising several high level ministers to New York.
The team comprises Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Deng Alor, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Stephen Dhieu Dau, Minister of Petroleum, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, Minister in the office of the President Mayiik Ayii Deng, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Hussien, Mar Nyuot and others.
On the sidelines of the General Assembly, state officials told this website on Wednesday, the First Vice President is expected to hold series of talks with world leaders including President of U.S. Barack Obama.
Members of the delegation will also hold bilateral talks with their counterparts as part of the multilateral diplomacy.
Officials said Gen Taban will brief leaders of the world on the political and security situation in South Sudan following the recent fighting in the Capital Juba.
“Gen Taban will assure leaders of his government’s commitment and readiness to preserve its territorial integrity,” an official in the president’s office revealed.
Gen Taban also will reiterate government’s assurances that the country’s leaders are now committed and united in facilitating the implementation of the peace agreement.
He will further reveal steps taken towards realising peace and stability in the war-torn country.