South Sudan and Russia have discussed expanding legal cooperation, including mutual legal assistance, legal training and exchanges of expertise, as the two countries seek to strengthen bilateral relations.
South Sudan’s Caretaker Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Dr. Wek Mamer Kuol, held talks with his Russian counterpart, Konstantin Chuychenko, at the Russian Ministry of Justice in Moscow on the sidelines of the third Russia–Africa Summit held on October 28–29.
According to the Russian side, Chuychenko welcomed the South Sudanese delegation and described relations between the two countries as friendly and based on mutual respect.
He noted that Russia was among the first countries to recognise South Sudan’s independence, adding that political contacts and economic cooperation between the two countries continued to develop.
Chuychenko said Russia’s Ministry of Justice could contribute to strengthening bilateral relations through the development of international legal frameworks, including agreements on mutual legal assistance in criminal and civil matters.
The Russian minister also proposed cooperation through joint seminars, expert consultations and exchanges of best practices, which could take place both in person and online.
During the meeting, Chuychenko invited Dr. Wek to attend the 15th St. Petersburg International Legal Forum, scheduled for May 20–22, 2027.
The forum is expected to bring together legal experts and government officials, including justice ministers from more than 20 countries, for discussions on legal issues and related cultural activities.
The discussions come as South Sudan continues to engage with Russia on broader areas of cooperation, including governance, investment, security and international diplomacy.
However, the reported proposals do not establish that new legal agreements have been signed or that the proposed cooperation programmes have begun.
