By Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi

The Governments of United Arab Emirates and Sierra Leone have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow greater collaboration between the two countries in the field of education, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen relationship between Sierra Leone and the oil-rich Arab state.

“This memorandum is aimed at establishing cooperation between public and Higher Education institutions in the two countries by holding direct agreements between them, holding conferences, seminars, courses, scientific and educational exhibitions, lecturing on topics of mutual interest,” the document mentioned.

His Excellency Hussain bin Ibrahhim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education in the UAE, who signed on behalf of his government, thanked his counterpart for the opportunity noting that he was looking forward to a joint cooperation. He thanked all the parties involved, especially Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay for his efforts and constant engagements with authorities in the UAE in different topics of cooperation.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Professor Alpha Tejan Wurie, said that the cooperation was significant for Sierra Leone because it would focus on science, technology and agriculture which were of priority to the Government. He also added that Sierra Leone had a rich tradition in higher education but had faced some challenges over the years, while noting that the West-African nation would benefit tremendously from the cooperation especially through exchange programs.

“I want to thank our Ambassador Rashid Sesay for his patriotic and dedicated service to our country. We cherish this Memorandum of Understanding and we do hope that as we go along this relationship will grow from strength to strength,” he said.

Also at the virtual signing ceremony was Sierra Leone Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay.