Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry arrived early Thursday in South Sudan to participate in the country's fourth anniversary of independence celebrations. 

In a press statement, Shoukry said: "Egypt is keen to support South Sudan and put every effort to help [South Sudan] get out of the current impasse and help improve [the] standard of living [of the South Sudanese]."

Shoukry also added that his participation in South Sudan's Independence Day celebrations aims at maintaining close ties between Cairo and Juba.

Shoukry is expected to meet with South Sudan President Salva Kiir, tackling political and security developments in South Sudan and means to strengthen ties between Egypt and South Sudan.

The Independence Day celebrations will be attended by senior statesmen, Sudanese ministers, and leaders of African countries.

The celebrations will include a military parade, folk dance, and a religious ceremony with the participation of both Muslims and Christians.

On 9 July 2011, South Sudan became independent from its northern neighbour as the world's 193rd sovereign state.