South Sudan’s Ambassador to Russia, Chol Tong Mayay, announced on Tuesday. The announcement came as Mr. Mayay bid farewell to a delegation from the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology & Postal Services, who participated in the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF’25) concluded last week.
Ambassador Mayay, who studied engineering in Russia, urged the South Sudanese government to seize the opportunity to foster robust business ties with Russia, describing it as a reliable partner for the young nation.
A public statement from the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology & Postal Services revealed that the ambassador highlighted the growing partnership between the two nations, noting that Russia has significantly increased its scholarship offerings to South Sudanese students, raising the number from five to 25 for the current year. This move is expected to enhance educational exchanges and build capacity among South Sudan’s youth.
Further cementing bilateral ties, Mayay revealed that Russia and South Sudan signed several agreements and memoranda of understanding between May and June 2025, focusing on mineral extraction and petroleum exploration.
A delegation from South Sudan’s state-owned Nile Petroleum Corporation was in Moscow at the time of writing this article, engaging in high-level talks with Russia’s energy giant Rosneft. According to Mayay, a major deal could be finalised soon, potentially unlocking new opportunities in South Sudan’s oil sector.
The establishment of a Russian embassy in Juba signals Moscow’s growing interest in South Sudan’s strategic and resource-rich landscape. For South Sudan, the partnership offers access to Russian expertise, investment, and markets, which could play a pivotal role in the country’s economic development.
