AYV News, June 24, 2025
A high-level meeting between Sierra Leone’s Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, and the Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, Babakov Alexander Mikhailovich, has set the stage for stronger inter-parliamentary cooperation between the two nations.
Held in the spirit of strengthening diplomatic and legislative ties, the meeting marked a major step in deepening Sierra Leone-Russia relations, which have historically been grounded in mutual respect, political stability, and shared aspirations for economic development.
With both countries acknowledging the strategic importance of parliamentary diplomacy, the engagement focused on fostering direct dialogue between lawmakers to support broader government-to-government relations.
Key among the topics discussed was the establishment of formal mechanisms for regular communication and exchanges between the Parliaments of Sierra Leone and Russia. The parties explored the potential for sharing best practices in legislative governance, policymaking, and democratic oversight.
Speaking on the topic “Shaping a Just and Sustainable World Order by Strengthening the Shared Values of the World Majority Countries” Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma emphasized that effective parliamentary collaboration is a vehicle for deepening bilateral and multilateral relationships.
“Sierra Leone and Russia have historically maintained cordial relations, marked by mutual respect and shared interests in economic growth and stability. Both nations have demonstrated a commitment to addressing global challenges collaboratively. Parliamentary diplomacy presents a unique avenue to deepen these ties and align legislative efforts for mutual benefit,” Hon Nyuma noted.
The meeting also explored expanding economic collaboration. Discussions centered on leveraging parliamentary influence to support bilateral trade and investment, with a focus on strategic sectors such as education, energy, health, agriculture, mining, and information technology.
Both sides acknowledged the role of legislative bodies in crafting enabling legal frameworks that encourages foreign direct investment and support joint ventures between businesses in both countries.
In light of global and regional security challenges, Hon. Nyuma and Mr. Babakov discussed the role of Parliaments in conflict resolution, peace-building, and the promotion of democratic values. They affirmed the importance of strong legislative institutions in upholding human rights and political stability.
The lawmakers also addressed pressing global issues, including climate change, public health crises, and food insecurity. They underscored the potential for joint legislative responses to these human security threats and called for deeper cooperation in multilateral forums such as the United Nations.
The meeting concluded with agreement on the following key outcomes: Development of a roadmap for sustained inter-parliamentary dialogue and cooperation, identification of priority areas for legislative collaboration and strengthening bilateral ties to reinforce mutual support on both domestic and international fronts.
To ensure momentum, both parties agreed to draft and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize the inter-parliamentary partnership. They also agreed to the establishment of a joint working group to oversee the implementation of initiatives whilst organizing follow-up meetings to assess progress and refine collaboration strategies.
This renewed legislative diplomacy signals a commitment from both Sierra Leone and Russia to advance not only their bilateral relationship but also contribute to tackling shared global challenges through mutual understanding and legislative action.
In similar engagements, Hon Nyuma rounded up his stay in Russia by meeting with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Africa and the Middle East, His Excellency Mr. Mikhail Bagdanov. He conveyed greetings from President Bio and the people of Sierra Leone.
Hon. Nyuma thanked Mikhail Bogdanov for Russia’s longstanding bilateral relations with Sierra Leone. He commended Russia’s continued support of Sierra Leone through Human Capital Development in various specialities in Education, the 200 dump trucks, and vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, among other assistance.
The Deputy Foreign Minister reaffirmed the reopening of the Russian Embassy in Freetown, as promised by His Excellency, President Vladimir Putin.
The two government officials discussed issues related to multilateral cooperation, peace-building, and International Cooperation between the two friendly countries
Also in attendance were His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, Hon. Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Mattai, Alhaji Hadji Dabo, Director General of NMA, and the entire Sierra Leone delegation at this year’s St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
