World Bulletin / News Desk

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Thursday returned home following a two-day tour of East Africa that took him to both South Sudan and Eritrea.

Shoukry started his tour on Wednesday with a visit to South Sudanese capital Juba, where he stressed Egypt's support for the fledgling state.

He also met with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, with whom he discussed the country's ongoing domestic conflict.

"The visit provided a chance to discuss the challenges facing South Sudan and its ongoing conflict," Shoukry declared after meeting with Kiir.

During the meeting, he added, "we highlighted Egypt's support for South Sudan."

In March, African Union-sponsored talks between Khartoum and rebels led by sacked vice-president Riek Machar were postponed indefinitely after both parties failed to reach a deal.

While in Eritrea, Shoukry met with that country's foreign minister and an advisor of Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki.