Strengthening Diplomatic Relations: Sierra Leone Delegation Pays Courtesy Call on Russian Deputy FM

Festus J. Lahai
Nov 22, 2023
2 min read

Korovy Val Moscow, Russia - Wednesday 22 November 2023 - In a proactive move aimed at fortifying the enduring relationship between Sierra Leone and Russia, a high-level delegation from Sierra Leone embarked on a strategic mission, paying a courtesy visit to His Excellency Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov in the Russian Federation.

Facilitated by His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, the delegation expressed profound gratitude for the continuous support extended by the Russian government to Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Yongawo conveyed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the government and the people of Sierra Leone for the unwavering assistance provided by Russia during critical times, notably during the Ebola crisis that devastated several West African support provided in support of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also acknowledged Russia’s significant contribution of 100 dump trucks as a symbol of the robust friendship shared between the two nations.

Facilitated by His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, the delegation expressed profound gratitude for the continuous support extended by the Russian government to Sierra Leone.

In a poignant moment, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Julius Daniel Mattai, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception, reminiscent of a homecoming. Recalling his academic pursuit in the former Soviet Union from 1986 to 1992, fulfilling his dream of becoming a geologist, he expressed profound honour in serving as the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources almost three decades after his educational stint in Russia.

The visit underscored the mutual determination to strengthen ties and collaborate on critical sectors, fostering a sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership between Sierra Leone and Russia. As both nations continue to build on this trajectory, the prospect of shared advancements and growth appears promising.

In response, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Special Representative of the President of Russia to the Middle East and Africa, His Excellency Mikhail Bogdanov, pledged Russia’s continued partnership and collaboration with Sierra Leone in various sectors such as Education, Energy, Infrastructure, and Agriculture.

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Bogdanov promised Russian support in training Sierra Leonean students in Professional and Technical Vocational courses to build up the middle workforce for the 21st-century job market.

Other members of the Sierra Leone delegation included: Mr. Hadji Dabo, Director General of the National Minerals Agency (NMA); Mr. Peter Bangura, Director of Mines; Mr. Prince Cuffey, Director of Geological Survey; Mr. Joseph Lebbie, Deputy Director of Geological Survey; Madam Jariatu Bah, Communications Manager; and Mrs. Wulaimatu Conteh, First Secretary at the Republic of Sierra Leone Embassy.

The meeting concluded with hopes for deepening cooperation between the two nations informed by mutual understanding and respect.