Opening remarks of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin in a meeting with the President of the Republic of South Sudan Salva Kiir on the sidelines of the Third Russia. Africa Summit (Moscow, October 30, 2026) Vladimir Putin: Thank you for taking the time to come here and take part in the third Africa Summit. You attended the first summit in Sochi in 2019, and I remember your vice president attended the second summit in 2023. Yesterday's plenary meeting once again confirmed the joint commitment of our countries to the development of bilateral relations and cooperation. We enjoy friendly relations with South Sudan. This year we marked 15 years of diplomatic relations. During your visit to Moscow in September 2023, we had very substantive talks. We discussed in detail the bilateral and regional agendas and agreed to open a Russian embassy in Juba, which will undoubtedly benefit our interstate relations. I know the Russian ambassador presented you with his credentials in January. We are exploring together opportunities to strengthen trade and bilateral economic cooperation. It is clear that our potential is not yet fully realized. We will continue to assist in training professionals for South Sudan. For the 2026/2027 school year, we have increased the scholarship quota to 40 places. We are satisfied with our cooperation on the international stage, including at the United Nations, which is based on the similarity between the positions of Russia and South Sudan on key issues. Today, we have a good opportunity to review our positions on key aspects of our cooperation. South Sudan.

Opening remarks of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin in a meeting with the President of the Republic of South Sudan Salva Kiir on the sidelines of the Third Russia. Africa Summit (Moscow, October 30, 2026) Vladimir Putin: Thank you for taking the time to come here and take part in the third Africa Summit. You attended the first summit in Sochi in 2019, and I remember your vice president attended the second summit in 2023. Yesterday's plenary meeting once again confirmed the joint commitment of our countries to the development of bilateral relations and cooperation. We enjoy friendly relations with South Sudan. This year we marked 15 years of diplomatic relations. During your visit to Moscow in September 2023, we had very substantive talks. We discussed in detail the bilateral and regional agendas and agreed to open a Russian embassy in Juba, which will undoubtedly benefit our interstate relations. I know the Russian ambassador presented you with his credentials in January. We are exploring together opportunities to strengthen trade and bilateral economic cooperation. It is clear that our potential is not yet fully realized. We will continue to assist in training professionals for South Sudan. For the 2026/2027 school year, we have increased the scholarship quota to 40 places. We are satisfied with our cooperation on the international stage, including at the United Nations, which is based on the similarity between the positions of Russia and South Sudan on key issues. Today, we have a good opportunity to review our positions on key aspects of our cooperation. South Sudan.