Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced on Tuesday potential collaboration between Moscow and Sierra Leone in the realm of peaceful nuclear energy, potentially including the establishment of a nuclear power plant in the West African nation. Lavrov disclosed the plan during a press briefing in Moscow following discussions with his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Timothy Musa Kabba.
Lavrov stated, “We have agreed with Mr. Minister that he will formulate additional wishes for Russian investors in various sectors, including in the field of possible cooperation in nuclear energy and peaceful atom outside the energy sector,” he said.
“We will organize an interdepartmental study, it will not take much time. I think that you will find out about the results soon.”
Additionally, Lavrov revealed Russia’s intention to re-establish its embassy in Sierra Leone by year’s end, as part of broader diplomatic initiatives on the African continent. Lavrov’s affirmation has indicated that the necessary groundwork for this endeavor has been laid.
Kabba welcomed the forthcoming reopening of the Russian embassy in Freetown, highlighting its significance in fostering trust and facilitating commercial ties between Russian and Sierra Leonean businesses. He emphasized that any agreements pertaining to private enterprise in Sierra Leone are subject to parliamentary ratification, ensuring added assurance for foreign investors.
Discussing Sierra Leone’s current energy challenges, Kabba stressed the critical importance of energy in economic vitality and development. “We have an energy crisis in Sierra Leone today, and energy is the lifeblood of any economy and a catalyst for development. Any energy that can help us is welcome; the only thing is that it must be eco-friendly. We welcome Russia’s investments in our energy sector,” Kabba stated.
