LOC11:12
08:12 GMT
TOKYO, Aug 28 (KUNA) -- Japan on Friday hailed the recent signing of the agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan, and vowed continued support to its efforts to achieve peace and stability.
"The Japanese government welcomes that an agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan has been signed by the relevant parties, under the mediation of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the countries concerned", Foreign Ministry Press Secretary Yasuhisa Kawamura said in a statement.
"Japan also highly appreciates the efforts that IGAD and the countries concerned exerted in bringing about this agreement", said Kawamura. "We hope all the parties in South Sudan will engage in nation building so that the people of South Sudan can enjoy a stable society as soon as possible", the spokesman added.
On Wednesday, South Sudan President Salva Kiir signed the peace agreement to end a 20-month conflict between government and rebel forces in the country. Rebel leader Riek Machar already signed the document last week.
South Sudan gained independence in July 2011 after the long civil war between the north and the south Sudan and the implementation of the peace agreement.(end)
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