AYV News, November 12, 2024
Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Francess Piagie Alghalihas held fruitful bilateral meeting with Mikhail Bogdanov, the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and African Countries, where they discussed various issues related to multilateral, bilateral and regional concerns.
They also discussed deepening political dialogue, global security, stability, and strengthening bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, Russia and Sierra Leone.
Mfrs. Alghali conveyed greetings from President Julius Maada Bio and Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba, who could not attend due to unforeseen circumstances, and the people of Sierra Leone.
Mrs. Francess Piagie Alghali: “I also want to say that Sierra Leone cherishes our bilateral relations with Russia, which have been strong for the past 63 years, dating back to the Soviet era”.
She also expressed her anticipation for the reopening of the Russian Embassy in Freetown and assured her Russian counterparts that Sierra Leone is ready to offer any support needed for the embassy’s reopening.
The reopening of the Russian Embassy in Freetown, the Deputy Foreign Minister added, will lay the groundwork for further partnership, cooperation and collaboration between the business communities, and citizens of both nations.
Mrs. Alghali called on her counterpart to increase the visibility of Russian business in Africa, recalling that there was once a Russian sugar company operating in Sierra Leone under the Russia-Sierra Leone Cooperation many years ago. She also outlined President Bio’s Five Big Game Changers and called on Russia to continue its support in investing in human capital development and agriculture, which will significantly contribute to food production in Sierra Leone.
The deputy minister concluded by thanking the Russian Federation for its support to Sierra Leone in both multilateral and bilateral relations, recalling Russia’s assistance during the Ebola outbreak, and the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as its support through scholarships and the provision of dump trucks.
In response, Mikhail Bogdanov, the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for the Middle East and African Countries, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing high-level contacts and cooperation between Sierra Leone and Russia.
He thanked Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo for his friendly relations with his office and with him personally, noting that Ambassador Yongawo is highly respected among his colleagues and is committed to enhancing Russia-Sierra Leone bilateral relations.
His Excellency Bogdanov reiterated President Putin’s commitment to reopening the Russian Embassy in Freetown.
