By Lodu William Odiya
President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Monday left Juba for Moscow, Russia, to participate in the Third Russia-Africa Summit scheduled for October 28–29, 2026, as South Sudan seeks to strengthen diplomatic relations and expand cooperation with Russia and other African countries.
The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for South Sudan to engage with Russian officials and African leaders on issues of mutual interest, including trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, technology and security.
“The summit is expected to bring African leaders and Russian officials together to discuss strategic partnerships, deepen diplomatic relations, and explore new avenues for economic cooperation amid growing interest in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, education, technology, and security,” the Presidential Press Unit stated.
Presidential Press Secretary Ambassador Arek Ajou Deng said President Kiir’s participation would allow South Sudan to engage directly with Russian leadership and other African heads of state, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and identifying potential areas of cooperation.
During the visit, President Kiir is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss matters of mutual interest and explore ways to strengthen relations between Juba and Moscow.
The anticipated meeting could provide an opportunity for the two leaders to exchange views on bilateral cooperation and discuss areas where closer engagement could support the interests of both countries.
South Sudan’s participation comes as the country seeks opportunities to expand international partnerships and attract cooperation in key economic sectors. Potential areas of engagement include energy development, infrastructure, agriculture, education and technology.
Cooperation in these sectors could be relevant to South Sudan’s efforts to develop its economy, improve infrastructure and expand access to essential services. However, the extent of any future cooperation will depend on the outcomes of discussions and any agreements reached during the summit.
The Third Russia-Africa Summit is expected to bring together representatives from Russia and African countries to discuss diplomatic relations, economic partnerships and broader cooperation.
President Kiir’s visit places South Sudan among the participants seeking to use the summit as a platform to discuss shared interests and explore opportunities for future bilateral and multilateral engagement.