The Sierra Leone Minister of Transport and Aviation, Amb. Alhaji Fanday Turay, and the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister, Ms Marina Hadjimanolis, this morning signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Cyprus High Commission in London, strengthening cooperation in maritime training and capacity building between the two nations.
The agreement comes on the heels of a successful three-day State Visit to Cyprus by His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, during which the Sierra Leonean President and his delegation were warmly received by His Excellency Mr Nikos Christodoulides and the people and government of the Republic of Cyprus.
During the Cyprus visit, the two governments signed a series of MoUs covering Higher Education and Research, Sports, and Political Consultations, marking a significant expansion in bilateral engagement across key sectors.
Speaking after today’s signing in London, both ministers expressed optimism about the growing partnership between Sierra Leone and Cyprus.
Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister Ms Marina Hadjimanolis described the agreement as a practical step towards strengthening cooperation between the two friendly nations.
Ambassador Turay echoed this sentiment, emphasising Sierra Leone’s commitment to enhancing ties with Cyprus. “This MoU opens a new chapter in our maritime collaboration,” he stated. “It reflects our shared vision for skills development, international cooperation, and a stronger partnership that delivers real benefits for both our countries.”
The new agreement is expected to support training opportunities, technical exchanges, and institutional collaboration within the maritime sector, an area of growing strategic importance for Sierra Leone.
Present during the signing ceremony were His Excellency Dr Morie Komba Manyeh, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Deputy High Commissioner Mrs Yvonne King Odigboh and First Secretaries Mr. Mohamed Kapu Lungay and Ms. Hawah Bah
Also in attendance was the delegation from the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, currently in London for a week-long engagement at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a key global institution setting the standards and frameworks that govern nearly every aspect of international shipping and constituting the backbone of world trade.
The Sierra Leonean delegation members present included: Mr. Yankuba Askia Bio, Director General Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority; Dr Daniel Kaitibie, Executive Director Sierra Leone Maritime Administration; and Martin Maada George Esq, Company Secretary Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority.
Abdulai Braima
Information Attaché
SLHC- London