The Sierra Leone Minister of Transport and Aviation, Amb. Alhaji Fanday Turay, and the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister, Ms Marina Hadjimanolis, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding this morning at the Cyprus High Commission in London. The agreement strengthens cooperation in maritime training and capacity building between both countries.
The signing follows a successful three day State Visit to Cyprus by His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, where 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 that visit, the two governments concluded a series of MoUs covering Higher Education and Research, Sports, and Political Consultations. These agreements mark a wider expansion in bilateral engagement across important sectors.
Speaking after today’s ceremony in London, both ministers expressed confidence in the growing partnership between Sierra Leone and Cyprus. Ms Marina Hadjimanolis called the new maritime agreement a practical step toward deeper cooperation between the two friendly nations.
Ambassador Turay shared this view and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening ties with Cyprus. “This MoU opens a new chapter in our maritime collaboration,” he said. “It reflects our shared vision for skills development, international cooperation, and a stronger partnership that delivers real benefits for both our countries.”
The agreement is expected to support training opportunities, technical exchanges, and institutional collaboration in the maritime sector, an area of increasing strategic priority for Sierra Leone.
Present at the signing 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, the global body responsible for setting the standards and frameworks that guide international shipping and support world trade.
Members of the Sierra Leone delegation included Mr Yankuba Askia Bio, Director General of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority; Dr Daniel Kaitibie, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration; and Martin Maada George Esq, Company Secretary of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority.
