The Japan Times - ALEX BODI AND AMBASSADOR GUM DOMINIC MATIOK OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN MEET IN BERLIN TO DISCUSS THE POSSIBILITY OF AN HONORARY CONSULATE IN BUCHAREST

Berlin embassy with responsibilities across several countries
Gum Dominic Matiok Matiok has been accredited as South Sudan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Germany since 18 December 2024. In addition to Germany, His Excellency Ambassador Gum Dominic Matiok Matiok also represents the Republic of South Sudan in Austria, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Business and cultural ties
Bodi’s ties to the Federal Republic of Germany span several business sectors. Alexandr Nicolae Bodi and an internationally active German conglomerate recently formalised an investment in 166 apartments in Halle an der Saale before a notary. The reported investment amounts to a seven-figure sum in euros. In addition to acquiring the properties, the project includes the refurbishment and long-term preservation of the housing stock.
According to a response to a press enquiry, a contractual agreement for this purpose has been in place since 27 September 2026 with the international business information provider CRIF. The company operates in 37 countries with more than 85 subsidiaries and over 6,600 employees. In accordance with the requirements of Alex Bodi’s German corporate partner, CRIF is responsible for creditworthiness assessments, KYC checks and anti-money laundering screening.

Another collaboration concerns the development of ALPHA WHEY and the BODI energy drink, for which Bodi has signed a comprehensive contractual agreement with Prof. Dr. Dieter Lazik of the Slow Medicine Research Institute in Potsdam. The agreement provides for scientific support, including the evaluation of formulations and data on raw materials and products. According to those responsible for the project, a German corporate group is providing substantial financial backing.

Alex Bodi is also pursuing a cultural project with Berlin lawyer and respected art collector Prof. Dr. Stefan Haupt. Bodi and Prof. Dr. Haupt intend to make works from the Haupt Collection accessible to the people of Romania. The collection explores the relationship between art, money and societal values. An exhibition venue and date will be announced shortly, once the organisational preparations have been completed.

Economic prospects for South Sudan
In an overview provided to our editorial team, Ambassador Gum Dominic Matiok Matiok identifies agriculture, food processing, forestry, livestock farming and fisheries, alongside the oil industry, as potential areas for investment. Examples include grain crops, oilseeds, and fruit and vegetable processing. Other opportunities concern natural resources, including gold and copper, as well as hotel projects, nature-based tourism and river transport.

His Excellency Gum Dominic Matiok Matiok cites Nimule and Boma National Parks and the Sudd wetland as potential tourism attractions. Together, these important natural landscapes in South Sudan form one of Africa’s most pristine and biodiverse ecosystems. According to Ambassador Gum Dominic Matiok Matiok, he and Alex Bodi discussed potential economic opportunities in South Sudan and possible projects during their meeting in Berlin.
In its response to a press enquiry from our editorial team, the World Bank likewise identifies development opportunities in fertile soils, water resources and the sustainable use of forests, fish stocks and wildlife. At the same time, it points to significant obstacles posed by fragile institutions, conflict and climate risks. A reliable framework therefore remains essential for long-term economic cooperation.

Honorary consulate still requires government approval under the Vienna Convention
Since the talks in Berlin, Alex Bodi’s team has been looking for a suitable property of approximately 600 square metres in Bucharest’s upmarket Primăverii district to house the proposed honorary consulate of the Republic of South Sudan in Romania. Establishing an honorary consulate in Bucharest requires the approval of the Republic of South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cecilia Adut Manyok Adeng (40). The subsequent steps between the Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Romania would then be governed by the principles set out in the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

N.Murphy