The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said on Wednesday that bilateral ties with Sweden remain strong despite the latter closing it’s embassy in the country.

John Samuel Bugo, the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said bilateral ties with Sweden have been cordial, adding that the two sisterly governments will continue to maintain cooperation.

“Our relationship with Sweden will continue as it used to be, good and cordial, it is due to their own situation that they are closing down some embassies in which South Sudan is part,” said Bugo when asked for clarification from the press on the issue.

He said that Swedish diplomats notified them three months ago that they will be shutting down their embassy.

On Tuesday, the Swedish government closed down it’s embassy in Juba.

Sweden has been supporting several development initiatives in the country such as the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The Swedish embassy while lowering its flag during a ceremony to signal the conclusion of its operation in South Sudan, said that the closure was a routine political decision from the Swedish government.