South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has left the capital Juba heading for Sochi, Russia, to attend the Afro-Russian summit, the Presidency said in a statement.

He was accompanied by senior government officials including the Minister in the Office of the President Mayiik Ayii Deng.

“The President of the Republic, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit and his accompanying delegation left Juba this morning for the Russia–Africa Economic Forum in Sochi, Russia that will take place from 23-24 Oct. 2019,” the statement said.

Kiir who is expected to meet his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, will attend – along with other African head of states – the two-day forum which would “serve as a platform for the development and strengthening of trade and investment relations between Africa and Russia.”

“President Salva Kiir is expected to meet with the Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Forum is expected to be attended by Heads of State, representatives of Russian, African and international businesses, and government agencies as well as of international organizations.

“The Issues to be discussed include market opportunities, investment incentives, policies and regulations, trade as well as trade and investment financing windows for the African countries.”

The statement further said the South Sudanese leader “hold sideline meetings with other heads of State who are attending the Russia-Africa Forum.”

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