Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to South Sudan, Alexsandr V. Kosmodemiyanskiy, says his country is targeting investments in South Sudan’s agriculture and mining sectors to deepen bilateral economic cooperation.
Speaking after a meeting with Minister of Finance and Planning Salvatore Garang Mabiordit on 31 March, the ambassador said a draft intergovernmental agreement between the two countries has already been submitted.
“We submitted a draft of intergovernmental agreement between our countries in the economic sphere, and we hope that our leaders will sign this memorandum as soon as possible,” Kosmodemiyanskiy said.
“We will discuss this memorandum and the operation of Russian companies here in South Sudan. It’s very important to discuss in detail the activity of our companies. Russian business is ready to work here, but we should discuss some details. Specialists will continue to engage, and we are waiting for good benefits for both our countries.”
Kosmodemiyanskiy added that Juba and Moscow are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to officially launch Russian investments, including the construction of oil refineries, which he described as vital for both nations.
Minister Garang said the discussions also focused on upgrading the Bentiu oil refinery in Unity State to boost production of crude oil and other petroleum products, strengthening South Sudan’s economy.
“On books, but we will translate them into action, to be in the field like the oil refinery, inventive,” Garang said.
“This is one of the things we have been planning, and we want it upgraded to produce more products, and also in agriculture. Russia is good in agriculture and can help us in those areas. A lot of minerals are down here, but it has to be quantified by feasibility studies, which can give the quality that businessmen can see and invest in. No businessman can invest without proper international feasibility studies.”
Areas of cooperation in health and education were also discussed, with Kosmodemiyanskiy saying Moscow is prepared to expand scholarship opportunities for South Sudanese students to study in Russian universities, following similar initiatives in other African countries.
Both sides agreed to continue engagements at the technical level, expressing hope that the partnership will yield tangible economic benefits for both nations.
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