Faith Nyasuguta
On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said relations between Russia and South Sudan were developing “intensively”.
The sentiments come at a time when Russia and Western powers are trying to woo African support in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking at a meeting with the South Sudan President Salva Kiir in Moscow, Putin noted Russia was one of the first countries to recognise the sovereignty and independence of South Sudan.
“I must say we believe that we have a lot to do, primarily in the area of economic development,” Putin added.
Kiir said he was happy for the warm welcome and stressed that he was in Moscow “as an opening for our long work in the future.”
South Sudan was one of the African countries present at the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg.
For the Sudanese president, this is his first official visit to Russia at the invitation of Putin.
Kiir arrived in the Russian capital on Wednesday and was received by Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko Yurevich.
According to the Kremlin press service, the two leaders were expected to discuss cooperation between their countries in various fields, as well as regional and international issues.
One investment opportunity includes an oil refinery in Bentiu, which is a joint venture between Russian firm Safinat and Nile Petroleum Corporation (NILEPET).
In May, Russia abstained in the UN Security Council vote to renew sanctions imposed on South Sudan, which include asset freezes, travel bans and an arms embargo.
President Putin has hosted various African leaders in Moscow on multiple occasions this year, as Russia continues to woo Africa for stronger cooperation.
In his virtual address to the 2023 BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg in August, the Russian leader said that Moscow intends to deepen ties with African countries, and that it would remain a reliable partner for food and fuel supplies.
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