The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) has hosted the Defense Attaché from the Chinese Embassy during a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening maritime collaboration between Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China.
The highlight of the meeting was the announcement of full scholarships for the training of four technical personnel in China, a significant step toward enhancing SLMA’s capacity and technical expertise.
During the discussions, the Executive Director, Mr Daniel Kaitibi, emphasized the urgent need to boost search and rescue operations, improve safety at sea, and address challenges at crossing points, particularly the lack of adequate aids to navigation.
The Director of Maritime Safety, Mr Wurie, outlined the current processes for reporting incidents such as hijackings and piracy, reaffirming SLMA’s role as the primary body responsible for maritime safety and security. He further highlighted the need for capacity-building initiatives and advanced equipment, including drones, to improve operational efficiency.
The Chinese delegation expressed commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development goals and extended an invitation to SLMA for specialized training programs in China. They also expressed interest in learning more about SLMA’s operations to explore potential areas of collaboration.
This visit underscores the growing partnership between Sierra Leone and China, focusing on shared goals of maritime safety, security, and capacity development.
