By Mohamed B. Kallon
Information Attaché, Sierra Leone Embassy Cairo
+201104336127 | Email: mbkallon2020@gmail.com
Alexandria, Egypt – September 18, 2024: A significant delegation from the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) arrived in Alexandria on September 16, 2024, to strengthen maritime relations and explore collaborative opportunities with the Alexandria Port Authority (APA). The delegation included Honorable Ambrose Maada Lebby, Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Transport and Aviation; Daniel Bobson Kaitibie, Executive Director of SLMA; Ibrahim L. H. Wurie, Director of Maritime Safety and Security; and Madam Inatorma Coomber, Director of Administration at SLMA.
The visit marks a crucial step in fostering economic partnerships between Sierra Leone and Egypt. Daniel Kaitibie, the head of the delegation, expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and emphasized the importance of maritime cooperation for boosting trade and tourism. The Egyptian counterparts reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral maritime relations and outlined their vision for a mutually beneficial partnership.
During the visit to the Alexandria Port Authority, Rear Admiral Hussein Elgheziry, Head of the Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety, delivered an in-depth presentation on the port’s strategic role in regional and international trade. The presentation highlighted Alexandria’s status as a key gateway to North Africa and detailed the port’s capabilities, infrastructure, and modernization efforts. The session culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SLMA and the Egyptian Ministry of Transport, focusing on maritime transport, port development, and investment opportunities.
The delegation’s tour included a visit to the APA Museum, which showcased the rich history of maritime trade in the region through ancient artifacts. They also toured Alexandria’s modern passenger and cruise terminal, where discussions centered on enhancing maritime tourism and attracting international cruise lines to Sierra Leone. The delegation observed key berths and discussed operational efficiencies, expressing interest in adopting best practices to improve Sierra Leone’s port infrastructure.
A notable highlight was the visit to the Tehya Misr Multi-Purpose Terminal, an innovative project aimed at diversifying port services. The delegation, led by French Hereford Executive Officer Rudolph Saadé, explored the terminal’s multifunctional capabilities and its role in boosting trade efficiency.
At the Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety, the delegation discussed capacity building and maritime project deliverables. The Egyptian side advised submitting a proposal through diplomatic channels for further implementation. Ibrahim L. H. Wurie outlined key expectations, including training, exchange of expertise, and infrastructural development. Ambassador Sadiq Silla pledged to consolidate the proposals into a unified document for submission to the Egyptian Ministry of Transport.
E.D. Kaitibie appointed Eng. Ibrahim L. H. Wurie and Madam Inatorma Coomber as focal points for MOU implementation and training coordination. Hon. Ambrose Maada Lebby assured parliamentary support for practicalizing the MOU and emphasized Sierra Leone’s openness to investment, promising protection for Egyptian investments.
The visit concluded with both parties optimistic about future collaborations. The Sierra Leone delegation gained valuable insights that will benefit Sierra Leone’s maritime sector. The MOU formalizes cooperative efforts and sets the stage for further discussions on mutual interests, aiming to advance sustainable maritime development in Sierra Leone.
This visit underscores the growing relationship between Sierra Leone and Egypt, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in navigating the evolving global trade landscape.
