By: Audrey Raymonda John
The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, engaged the Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation, Alexandrovich Alexander Kozlov, on to discuss the operationalization of an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries focusing on collaboration to develop geological information and to lure investments to improve the minerals sector.
The Minister who is visiting the Russian Federation with a delegation that includes the Director General of the National Minerals Agency (NMA), Hadji Dabo, the Director of Mines, Peter Bangura, and the Director of Geological Survey, Prince Cuffey, informed the Russian Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology that Sierra Leone is excited to partner with Russian to share knowledge and expertise on how to increase geological knowledge on Sierra Leone to promote mining investment.
On his part, Alexandrovich Alexander Kozlov assured the Sierra Leone delegation of Russia’s commitment to support the Sierra Leone minerals sector through capacity building and technical assistance, and he pointed out that the two countries stand to gain a lot from the collaboration.
The Minister and his team are in the Russian Federation to participate in the second International Scientific Conference of Students and Young Scientists organized by the People’s Friendship University.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, H.E Mohamed Yongawo, was instrumental in coordinating the visit. Sierra Leone’s delegation at the Plenary Session includes His Excellency Mohamed Yongawo, Minister of Mines and Minerals Resources Hon. Julius Daniel Mattai, Director of National Mineral Agency Mr. Hadji Dabo, Director of Mines Peter Bangura, Director of Geological Surrey Mr. Prince Cuffey, Deputy Director of Geological Survey Mr. Joseph Lebbie, Communications Manager, Madam Jariatu Bah, Mrs Wulaimatu Conteh, and the Director of Communications, National Disaster Management Agency Mr. Mohamed L. Bah.