At airport where government officials including advisors and heads of security units have overseen the departure of President Kiir Mayardit for Moscow, Russian Federation to participate in the Third Russia-Africa Summit, scheduled for October 28–29, 2026, as South Sudan seeks to strengthen diplomatic ties and expand cooperation with Russia and other African nations. 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. Presidential Press Secretary Ambassador Arek Ajou Deng says President Kiir's participation at the event provides an opportunity for South Sudan to engage directly with Russian leadership and other African heads of state on issues of mutual interest, with a focus on strengthening bilateral relations and identifying areas of potential cooperation.
