ANKARA
Ergin stated that the painful transition stage of South Sudan was still ongoing with the state in process of establishing its institutions, embassies, membership to international institutions and the replacement of the Sudan currency with the South Sudan pound.
Ergin stated that Turkey was one of the first countries that recognized the independence of South Sudan and said, "The day that South Sudan announced its independence, Turkey recognized them as a state and I was appointed as the Ambassador."
Ergin said that South Sudan's petrol assets made up 98.7% of the state economy and therefore oil production was vital for South Sudan. He added that if oil fields could be more productive or new oil fields were put in place, 3 times more petrol could be taken out compared to the period prior to the crisis.
"Negotiations are continuing," stated Ergin regarding the petrol region Abyeia and added, "Sudan and South Sudan could not come to an agreement regarding who should be eligible to vote in the referendum and they were given 6 weeks starting from the end of October. If they cannot come to an agreement by the given date, the solution will be decided by the UN."
Ergin also mentioned South Sudan takes Turkey as a model country and Turkey shared knowledge with South Sudan in the development of their health sector and police service.
Reporting by Ali Ozturk
