Sierra Leone and Cyprus have taken a major step toward strengthening bilateral maritime relations with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on training and capacity development.
The agreement was signed 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 held at the Cyprus High Commission.
According to both sides, the MoU will enhance collaboration in maritime training, technical exchanges, and institutional development—key priorities for Sierra Leone as it seeks to improve standards across its maritime sector.
The ceremony followed President Julius Maada Bio’s three-day State Visit to Cyprus, during which both countries signed cooperation agreements in Higher Education and Research, Sports, and Political Consultations. The maritime MoU builds on the momentum of that visit.
Ms. Hadjimanolis described the agreement as “a practical step forward,” while Amb. Turay noted that it “opens a new chapter in maritime cooperation built on shared goals and real opportunities for both countries.”
Dignitaries present included Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh; Deputy High Commissioner Yvonne King Odigboh; First Secretaries Mohamed Kapu Lungay and Hawah Bah; and a delegation attending a week-long engagement at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Others in the delegation were 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, Company Secretary of the Ports Authority.
The agreement is expected to facilitate stronger ties between both nations while supporting Sierra Leone’s broader efforts to modernize and professionalize its maritime industry.
