Sierra Leone and Cyprus have taken a significant step toward deepening bilateral maritime cooperation with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on training, technical collaboration, and institutional capacity development.
The agreement was formalized on Tuesday in London by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Transport and Aviation, Ambassador Alhaji Fanday Turay, and Cyprus’ Shipping Deputy Minister, Ms. Marina Hadjimanolis, during a ceremony hosted at the Cyprus High Commission.
A Milestone in Sierra Leone–Cyprus Maritime Partnership
Both nations described the MoU as an important framework that will enhance:
- maritime training
- technical exchanges
- institutional strengthening
- capacity development within Sierra Leone’s maritime sector
The partnership is expected to play a key role in Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to modernize standards, enhance professionalism, and expand opportunities across its maritime industry.
Ms. Hadjimanolis called the MoU “a practical step forward,” while Ambassador Turay emphasized that it “opens a new chapter in maritime cooperation built on shared goals and real opportunities for both countries.”
MoU Builds on President Bio’s State Visit to Cyprus
The signing took place shortly after President Julius Maada Bio’s three-day State Visit to Cyprus, which yielded several bilateral agreements in:
- Higher Education and Research
- Sports
- Political Consultations
The maritime MoU continues the momentum of that visit and underscores Sierra Leone’s determination to strengthen global maritime partnerships.
High-Level Delegation Witnessed the Signing
Present at the ceremony were distinguished officials, including:
- Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the UK
- Yvonne King Odigboh, Deputy High Commissioner
- Mohamed Kapu Lungay and Hawah Bah, First Secretaries
- Delegates attending a week-long engagement at the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Other members of the Sierra Leone delegation included:
- Yankuba Askia Bio, Director-General, Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority
- Dr. Daniel Kaitibie, Executive Director, Sierra Leone Maritime Administration
- Martin Maada George, Company Secretary, Ports Authority
Boosting Sierra Leone’s Maritime Modernization Drive
The newly signed MoU is expected to:
- Expand training opportunities for Sierra Leonean maritime professionals
- Promote technical capacity building
- Enhance regulatory and institutional development
- Strengthen bilateral maritime ties with Cyprus—one of the world’s recognized maritime nations
This partnership marks another important milestone in Sierra Leone’s broader efforts to professionalize, modernize, and globally integrate its maritime industry.
