Juba — The chairperson of the African Union H.E Thomas Yayi Boni yesterday conducted a one-day official visit to the Republic of South Sudan.

H.E Boni, who is also the President of the Republic of Benin, arrived at the Juba International Airport at about 3pm local time and held bilateral meetings with H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit. The talks that centered on the country's relationship with Sudan among others discussed the issue of Abyei, border demarcation, and the disputed and claimed areas.

The "French Speaking" President Boni, who spoke through the help of a translator, said it is time for Sudan and South Sudan to coordinate their efforts towards achieving stability and prosperity and urged the two presidents to talk and understand each other in order to resolve the remaining post-independence issues.

"South Sudan and Sudan are part of the African continent, we need peace and stability in these two sister countries", he said.

President Boni's visit to South Sudan comes after another visit by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia and IGAD chairperson Hailemariam Desalegn. President Boni is expected to hold discussions with President Omar El Bashir of Sudan on the same issues today, Friday January 18, 2013.