South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit returned to Juba on Saturday after attending the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow and holding bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The summit concluded on Thursday, October 29, with delegations from 48 African countries in attendance. Kiir's visit to Moscow included discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation between South Sudan and Russia.
During their meeting at the Kremlin on Friday, Putin announced that Russia had increased its scholarship allocation for South Sudanese students to 40 places for the 2026–2027 academic year. Putin described relations between Russia and South Sudan as friendly, noting that the two countries marked the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.
Putin and Kiir discussed ways to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation, acknowledging that the potential of their relationship had yet to be fully realised. The two leaders also explored cooperation in international affairs, particularly at the United Nations, where Moscow and Juba hold closely aligned positions on key issues.
The third Russia-Africa Summit provided a platform for African leaders and Russia to strengthen engagement and explore cooperation in economic development, security, and other areas of mutual interest. Caretaker Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Cecilia Adut Manyok said South Sudan's priorities included cooperation in agriculture, security, agro-processing, infrastructure development, and education.
According to the Kremlin, 22 African countries were represented by heads of state at the summit. Participants adopted a final declaration reaffirming their commitment to building a "mutually beneficial, equal and multifaceted" partnership. The declaration sets out priority areas for political, security, economic, and scientific cooperation in the coming years.
Kiir and Putin also discussed regional issues during their meeting in September 2023, when the two leaders agreed to establish a Russian embassy in Juba. The meeting provided an opportunity to review bilateral cooperation and discuss issues of mutual interest.
The Russia-Africa Summit has provided an opportunity for African countries to engage with Russia on various issues, including economic development and security. South Sudan's participation in the summit demonstrates the country's efforts to strengthen its relationships with other nations and explore new opportunities for cooperation.
Key points
- Russia increases scholarship allocation for South Sudanese students to 40 places for the 2026–2027 academic year.
- South Sudan and Russia explore ways to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
- The third Russia-Africa Summit concludes with a final declaration reaffirming commitment to building a "mutually beneficial, equal and multifaceted" partnership.
