Cabinet endorses strategic cooperation with Russia in key sectors

The caretaker Council of Ministers has endorsed plans to strengthen what it calls “strategic cooperation” with Russia in key sectors, including petroleum, mining and information technology.

The decision was reached during an extraordinary cabinet meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir on Friday, October 30, 2026.

It follows recent bilateral talks between President Kiir and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit last week.

According to a statement from the Office of the President, the meeting reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening relations with the Russian Federation.

The cabinet agreed to expand cooperation in petroleum, mining, health, agriculture, education, infrastructure and information technology.

Addressing the ministers, President Kiir briefed them on the outcomes of his visit, highlighting discussions on expanding cooperation between Juba and Moscow and exploring new areas of partnership for the benefit of both countries.

Caretaker Minister of Cabinet Affairs Bol Wek Agoth said a committee would be established to develop a framework for implementing the proposed cooperation and coordinate activities in the agreed sectors.

The meeting also called for the development of a 2027-2029 Strategic Cooperation Action Plan, supported by a 100-day implementation programme.

The plan is expected to outline responsibilities for relevant ministries and institutions, identify priority projects and appoint ministerial focal points.

It will also guide technical consultations and efforts to establish the South Sudan-Russia Joint Cooperation Commission.

The statement added that proposed partnership is part of South Sudan’s efforts to strengthen international relations and expand cooperation in key sectors of its economy.