A landmark gathering between Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay, and Qatar’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, His Excellency Jassim bin Saif bin Ahmed Al Sulaiti, took place in Cairo during the fifth Smart Transport, Logistics, Infrastructure, and Traffic Fair and Forum for the Middle East and Africa Region (TransMEA 2023). Held from November 5 to 8 at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre in New Cairo, the event, endorsed by Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, marked the launch of substantial transport projects in Egypt under the auspices of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.

The meeting revolved around fostering a comprehensive bilateral agreement to strengthen international collaboration in bolstering the transport and aviation sectors of Sierra Leone and Qatar. Minister Turay expressed Sierra Leone’s eagerness to revamp its transportation sector, outlining areas requiring support, especially the proposal to upgrade the nation’s transport infrastructure.

Discussions encompassed several facets, including the maritime sector, with a suggestion to transfer Sierra Leone’s open ship registry to a reputable Qatari investment company as the current contract approaches its conclusion. In air transportation, Minister Turay emphasized the potential for a promising partnership leveraging Sierra Leone’s Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA).

Plans were also put forth to enhance Sierra Leone’s road transport network by importing buses from Qatar, a move seen as a solution to congestion issues within the country.

Minister Al Sulaiti enthusiastically embraced these proposals and pledged to invite a delegation from Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Transport and Aviation (SLMTA) to Qatar for in-depth discussions. He proposed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate collaborative efforts, particularly focusing on training and capacity building in maritime, transport, infrastructure, and aviation sectors.

Both ministers committed to establishing a technical committee tasked with drafting an MOU, reflecting the comprehensive issues discussed during this groundbreaking meeting. This strategic step promises to uplift the collaboration between Sierra Leone and Qatar in transportation and aviation, signaling hope for substantial infrastructural advancements in Sierra Leone through international partnerships.