Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn has drawn the red line for South Sudan rebel chief Riek Machar.

Speaking to the media in Juba on Friday evening, Mr Hailemariam said his country would never again entertain Dr Machar crossing over.

He also directed all the South Sudan rebels to immediately leave Ethiopia.

The Premier promised that his country would cooperate with the unity government in Juba under President Salva Kiir and form a joint military force to rid their common border of rebel elements.

An official visit

The Ethiopian Prime Minister was on an official visit to the war-torn South Sudan.

“Both of us will not allow any armed movement to disrupt peace in our region,” he asserted.

He reiterated Ethiopia's commitment to supporting the implementation of the South Sudan peace agreement.

Goods and services

Ethiopia is among the regional countries to contribute troops to be deployed to South Sudan by the United Nations.

President Kiir lauded the Ethiopian Prime Minister for his support to the Juba administration.

He said Juba was ready to cooperate with Ethiopia in all aspects, pointing out that the roads connecting the two countries would be open for easy exchange of goods and services.

Our refinery

“The road will be open so that Ethiopian goods come here by land,” he said, adding that South Sudan would supply the neighbouring state with oil.

“Instead of going to far places to buy oil, Ethiopia will get it from South Sudan, especially now that we are going to build our refinery,” President Kiir said.

The two leaders signed multiple agreements on trade, investment and infrastructure developments.