Strengthening Maritime Cooperation: Egypt and Sierra Leone Enhance Bilateral Ties

A delegation from Sierra Leone led by Minister of Transport and Aviation Alhaji Fanday Turay visited the Alexandria Port Authority in July 2025, marking the third visit from Sierra Leonean officials since March 2023 and September 2024. The visit aimed at fostering bilateral maritime cooperation between the two nations, building on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in earlier visits to enhance cooperation in maritime transport. During the meeting, both sides explored opportunities for investment, technical expertise exchange, and capacity building in areas such as digital transformation, environmental protection, and maritime safety.

Key Takeaways:

• The Sierra Leone delegation expressed interest in adopting Egypt's maritime transport and port development experience, recognizing Egypt's success in the field.
• Key topics discussed during the meeting included training and human capacity building, digital transformation of port operations, environmental protection, and opportunities for investment in Sierra Leone's ports and inland waterways.
• The Sierra Leonean Minister of Transport praised Egypt's port development, particularly Alexandria Port, as a testament to strategic foresight and cumulative expertise.
• The visit marked the third interaction between the two countries' transport ministries since March 2023 and September 2024.
• Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed during previous visits to foster bilateral maritime cooperation and strengthen ties between the two nations.
• Cooperation in maritime transport is expected to enhance operational efficiency, industrial and commercial integration, public-private partnerships, and maritime safety and workforce development.

Statistics:

• This is the third visit from Sierra Leonean officials to the Alexandria Port Authority since March 2023 and September 2024.
• The visit aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation between Egypt and Sierra Leone, with a focus on investment, technical expertise exchange, and capacity building.

Sources:

• Middle East News Agency, 10 Jul 2025

("Alexandria Port Authority welcomed a high-level delegation from Sierra Leone..." - Middle East News Agency)