The opening of the Russian embassy in Sierra Leone will create opportunities for closer interaction between the two nations, Sierra Leone's Minister of Mines and Land Resources, Julius Mattai, told Sputnik Africa.
The opening of the embassy will simplify the process of obtaining visas and consular services, eliminating the need to travel to the Republic of Guinea for these purposes, Mattai said on the sidelines of Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2024.
There will be "centers to teach Russian language, Russian education, and also for the Russians to be able to mutually understand what the Sierra Leoneans do," he noted.
The embassy is scheduled to open by the end of 2024, and Sierra Leone is looking forward to it, he highlighted.
"I do believe the setting up of the embassy is a major achievement," Mattai emphasized.
In late May, the Russian top diplomat disclosed that Russian embassies would be opened in Seirra Leone, South Sudan, and Niger.
This move follows a directive from President Vladimir Putin last July to reopen Russian embassies in several African countries as part of a broader effort to strengthen ties and foster cooperation across various sectors.