By Festus J. Lahai, Information Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Moscow, Russian Federation
Sierra Leone and the Russian Federation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on transport cooperation, opening new opportunities for collaboration in transportation, logistics, aviation and infrastructure development.
The agreement was signed during the Third Russia-Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum in Moscow, following a high-level meeting between Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay, and Russian officials.
The MoU was signed by Minister Turay and Russian Transport Minister Dmitry Yadrov, marking the first formal transport cooperation agreement between the two countries.
During the meeting, Minister Turay conveyed greetings from President Julius Maada Bio and described the agreement as an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations.
He proposed the immediate establishment of a joint technical team to develop an implementation roadmap, with the aim of completing the process within six months and advancing the necessary agreements by April 2027.
Russian Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Dmitry Zevrev, welcomed the agreement and confirmed plans to establish a joint working group comprising specialists from both countries to identify priority areas and develop practical arrangements for cooperation.
He also highlighted existing Russian grain shipments to Sierra Leone as a foundation for expanding logistics cooperation. Other areas discussed included simplifying transport procedures, developing direct routes, cargo pricing and exploring direct flights.
Minister Turay also invited Russian officials to visit Sierra Leone to explore opportunities in the country’s natural harbour, transportation systems and infrastructure sector.
The agreement is expected to provide a framework for strengthening transport connectivity, encouraging investment and expanding economic cooperation between Sierra Leone and Russia.
