Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo Advocates for the Russian Federation to Initiate Airline Services to Sierra Leone.

Festus J. Lahai
Jun 19, 2024
2 min read

Korovy Val Moscow, June 19 2024- Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo has urged the Russian Federation to recommence direct flights back to Sierra Leone in a recent panel discussion aimed to enhance tourism between Russia and the African continent.

His call came during the inauguration of the Russia-Africa Tourism Board in Moscow, centered around the theme "Fostering Russian-African Tourism and Business Collaboration for Socio-economic Development."

The event was graced by members of the Russian diplomatic Corps, investors, business leaders, and academic scholars, alongside several African Ministers of Tourism: notably among them were

- Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe

- Hon. Prudencion Botey Sobole, Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Art Promotion of Equatorial Guinea

- Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiques of Uganda

Nikita Kondratiev, Director of the Department for Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, delivered the keynote address

Ambassador Yongawo highlighted during his presentation Africa's diverse attractions, including the pyramids, Victoria Falls, the safaris of Easter Africa, and West African beaches.

He specifically mentioned Sierra Leone as a standout destination, likening it to the "Hawaii of Africa" with its picturesque beaches, rich wildlife, culinary delights, and warm hospitality.

The Sierra Leonean diplomat commended the efforts of Madam Nabeela Farida Tunis, Sierra Leone's Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, for her efforts in promoting Sierra Leone as a premier tourist spot and encouraged Russian partners and tourists to explore his country.

The primary objective of the Russia-Africa Tourism Board is to facilitate dialogue and partnerships between Russian and African tourism sectors.

Ambassador Yongawo stressed the importance of improving transportation links, including direct flights between Russia and Sierra Leone and other African nations, to overcome existing barriers hindering tourism growth.

He also urged African leaders to ease visa restrictions within the continent, citing Kenya's recent decision to allow visa-free travel for African nationals as a positive step towards achieving unity and realizing the "Africa dream."

Ambassador Yongawo emphasized the need for Africa to enhance its hospitality industry and move beyond online tourism promotion to effectively showcase the continent's natural beauty and cultural heritage to the world.