Russian president Vladimir Putin has invited President Salva Kiir to the second Russia-Africa Summit in July this year.

This is according to a press statement from the Office of the President.

The invitation to the summit in St. Petersburg Russia was extended to Kiir by Russian Ambassador to South Sudan, Vladlen Semivoloss.

“(Finally), Vladlen Semivolos extended President Vladimir Putin’s invitation to President Salva Kiir Mayardit to attend the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg in July this year,” read part of the statement from Kiir’s office.

Semivolos, who is a non-resident Ambassador met President Kiir on Wednesday, and reportedly discussed bilateral relations between the two countries.

“(Ambassador Vladlen Semivolos) noted relations between the two countries have been developing for the benefit of both countries,” it added.

“The Cooperation ties cover a wide range of areas, including political dialogue, education, economics, and humanitarian sectors.”

The Russian diplomat is also quoted as saying his country is increasing government scholarships for South Sudanese to study at top Russian universities.

On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which began in 2014.

The invasion has caused tens of thousands of deaths on both sides and instigated Europe’s largest refugee crisis since World War II.

South Sudan recently voted, along with 140 other countries, for Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine at the UN General Assembly.