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Sierra Leone Ambassador to Russia, H.E. Mohamed Yongawo, recently held discussions with Madam Tatyana Dovgalenko, Director of the Department for Partnership with Africa at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This meeting marks a significant step in fostering collaboration between the two nations.
During the visit, Ambassador Yongawo commended the establishment of the new department, highlighting its potential to strengthen cooperation and partnerships between Russia and African countries, particularly Sierra Leone. He emphasized that this unique structure will facilitate mutual benefits and enhance bilateral relations.
The discussions focused on deepening collaboration in key sectors, including health, trade and investment, education, agriculture (notably the Feed Salone initiative), and energy. Ambassador Yongawo acknowledged Russia’s ongoing support in training Sierra Leonean students across various fields, reflecting the importance of educational exchanges in building strong ties.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the exploration of opportunities to promote Russian investment in Sierra Leone. Ambassador Yongawo proposed organizing a Trade and Investment mission in Freetown, which would serve as a platform for both Sierra Leonean and Russian businesses to collaborate within the industrial sector.
The Ambassador also stressed the importance of learning from existing partnerships to enhance decision-making at the highest levels and ensure effective project implementation. He called for the efficient utilization of resources and the fulfillment of various memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed between the two nations.
In response, Madam Dovgalenko expressed her gratitude to Ambassador Yongawo and his team for the visit, interpreting the formation of her department as a clear indication of Russia’s commitment to deepening relations with Africa. She outlined the department’s mandate to work with the African Union, regional economic communities, and individual member countries to ensure the effective implementation of agreements.
The meeting also covered various issues related to multilateral, bilateral, and sub-regional organizations, underscoring the importance of collaboration on multiple fronts.
Accompanying Ambassador Yongawo were Mr. Ibrahim Saspo Sankoh, Head of Chancery, and Ms. Rosetta M. Conteh, Second Secretary, further demonstrating Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening its diplomatic relations with Russia.
