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The Sierra Leone Ambassador to Russia, Mohamed Yongawo on Thursday 7th September 2023, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Dauren Abaev at the Kazakhstan Embassy in Moscow.
The Ambassador visited to convey His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio’s salutation to his colleague President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and the people of Kazakhstan.
The Sierra Leonean Diplomat applauded the former Kazakhstan Ambassador to Russia, whom he illustrated as a ‘great friend’, citing the help he generated to stimulate the articulation of his Certifications to President Tokayev in Kazakhstan. He said, “During the presentation of Credentials in Almaty, I met with the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry and the Minister of Education. We had fruitful discussions.”
Ambassador Yongawo continued to explain the longstanding bilateral relations Kazakhstan and Sierra Leone have enjoyed over the years, adding that both countries shared similarities – ranging from regal to cultural diversity.
Ambassador Yongawo emphasized the Five Priority Areas of His Excellency President Bio to his Kazakhstani counterpart, suggesting that the Central Asian nation may be interested in one of the principal areas, Feed Salone – agricultural sector – as Kazakhstan has the technical and technological expertise.
H.E Yongawo also endorsed cooperation in visa waiver for holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports of both countries; this will ease movement and facilitate the strengthening of bilateral relations and improve trade between the two nations.
Ambassador Yongawo used the occasion to plead for magnanimity for Sierra Leonean (more than 300 some reports suggest) citizens residing in Kazakhstan who may be facing difficulties with respect to their immigration status.
In his response, His Excellency Ambassador Dauren Abaev thanked Ambassador Yongawo and his officials for their visit to his Country’s Embassy.
H.E Dauren Aaev stated: “Indeed, Sierra Leone and Kazakhstan have a longstanding relation and your visit today is a testament to this fact.
“His Excellency, like Sierra Leone, Kazakhstan has over 70℅ Muslims and youths making the largest group of our population. We also have over 140 ethnic groups. So yes, we shared similarities,” he added.
“I would love our countries to have visa-free movements as we have many countries right now that are enjoying the same but as you said let’s start with the holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports and then we can move on to all our citizens.”
At the end of the meeting, His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo was accompanied by the First Secretary Madam Wulaimatu Conteh, Interpreter, Mrs. Malika Makhkamova and Mr. Festus J. Lahai Infomation Atache.
