His Excellency Mohamed Yongawo
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, His Excellency Mohamed Yongawo, has emphasised the growing importance of deepening Sierra Leone-Russia bilateral relations and advancing Russia-Africa cooperation. The Sierra Leone diplomat made a statement at the inaugural Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Sochi.
Ambassador Yongawo extended warm greetings from President Julius Maada Bio and highlighted Sierra Leone’s gratitude for Russia’s longstanding support. He applauded Russia’s commitment to the conference and acknowledged Russia’s plan to reopen its embassy in Freetown, a step, the Ambassador emphasised, would “further deepen the bilateral cooperation between the two nations.”
Reflecting on six decades of diplomatic relations established with the Soviet Union, which Russia inherited, Ambassador Yongawo noted that Sierra Leone and Russia continue to enjoy a fruitful relationship. Recent agreements and memoranda signed at the Sochi conference mark a new phase in this collaboration, enhancing areas of mutual benefit.
In his address, Ambassador Yongawo outlined Sierra Leone’s commitment to governance and economic reform. He highlighted the government’s focus on anti-corruption, economic transparency, and creating a business-friendly environment.
“Our government has prioritised building strong institutions, including the Corporate Affairs Commission and the National Investment Board, to simplify business processes in Sierra Leone,” he said.
Ambassador Yongawo further mentioned that boosting energy generation and achieving food security are key goals, with a strategic focus on agricultural mechanisation and industrialisation, given Sierra Leone’s favourable climate and fertile land.
Ambassador Yongawo expressed Sierra Leone’s gratitude for Russia’s support in its role as Chair of the Committee of Ten (C10), advocating for UN Security Council reform, an effort aligned with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. The diplomat commended Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, for affirming support for Africa’s call for two permanent seats on the Security Council.
“Africa counts on Russia’s continued friendship to address this historic injustice,” Ambassador Yongawo added.
Ambassador Yongawo emphasised Sierra Leone’s commitment to the peaceful use of outer space, echoing calls for global security and sustainability in space exploration.
In closing, Ambassador Yongawo conveyed gratitude on behalf of President Bio and the people of Sierra Leone for the “constructive discussions” at the Sochi Conference and 63 years of “friendship, mutual respect, and pragmatic cooperation” between Sierra Leone and Russia. Ambassador Yongawo thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin and the people of Russia for their hospitality and engagement at the forum and wished for continued partnership in the years ahead.
