Korovy Val Moscow, March 10, 2025— Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Russia, H.E. Mohamed Yongawo, visited Her Excellency Madam Tatyana Dovgalenko, Director of the Department for Partnership with Africa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
During his visit, Ambassador Yongawo congratulated Madam Tatyana Dovgalenko on her appointment and commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for setting up this unique department.
He expressed hope that the new structure would enable the Russian Federation and African countries, especially Sierra Leone, to enhance cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit and strengthen bilateral relations.
Ambassador Yongawo discussed the possibility of deepening bilateral collaboration in the health, trade and investment, education, agriculture (Feed Salone), and energy sectors with his Russian counterpart.
His Excellency Yongawo acknowledged the support the Russian Federation continues to provide in training Sierra Leonean students in various fields of study.
Ambassador Yongawo and Madam Dovgalenko explored the possibility of collaborating to promote Russian investment in Sierra Leone, for example, by organizing a trade and investment mission in Freetown. This would serve as a platform for both Sierra Leonean and Russian businesses and the industrial sector.
The Sierra Leonean diplomat stressed that the partnership between Russia and Africa needs to draw lessons from other partnerships in decision-making at the highest level and project implementation at the country level to better utilize resources, complete projects, and honor the various MOUs signed and to be signed.
In response, Madam Tatyana Dovgalenko thanked His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo and his staff for visiting her Directorate. She informed him that the formation of her department in the Foreign Ministry is a clear testimony to the broadening and deepening of relations between Russia and Africa.
She further stated that the decision to establish the department signifies the Russian government’s priority and commitment to multilateral cooperation with the African continent.
Director Dovgalenko underlined that the department will work with the African Union, regional economic communities, and individual member countries to ensure smooth and efficient implementation of agreements.
The two esteemed diplomats discussed issues related to multilateral, bilateral, and sub-regional organizations.
His Excellency Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo was accompanied by Mr. Ibrahim Saspo Sankoh, Head of Chancery, and Ms. Rosetta M. Conteh, Second Secretary.
For More Inquiries: Festus J. Lahai, Information Attaché, Moscow, Russian Federation
Email: information.attache@ru.slembassy.gov.sl / www.slembassyrussia.org
