JUBA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan has stepped up its diplomatic engagements with regional and international partners as it prepares for general elections scheduled for December, officials said Wednesday.

Thomas Kenneth Elisapana, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the increased outreach, led by President Salva Kiir and the foreign ministry, focuses on strengthening bilateral relations, advancing regional cooperation and mobilizing support for a peaceful political transition.

"The government reaffirms its commitment to dialogue and to the peaceful completion of the transitional process through democratic elections," Elisapana told reporters.

Elisapana said that continued engagement with partners will be critical to ensuring a credible electoral process and sustaining peace and stability in the world's youngest nation.

In February, Kiir participated in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa.

On the sidelines of the summit, Kiir held bilateral talks with several African leaders, including those from Ethiopia and South Africa, focusing on South Sudan's political developments, regional peace and security, and the strengthening of bilateral ties.

The president also attended a meeting of the African Union's high-level ad hoc committee on South Sudan, where discussions centered on the country's political transition and preparations for the upcoming elections.

Analysts said the growing diplomatic activity signals Juba's intention to build regional and international confidence ahead of the elections while addressing key political, economic and humanitarian challenges. ■