The opening of the partner Russian House in Sierra Leone took place on Friday in an official ceremony attended by representatives of various ministries, business, healthcare and social spheres, the Russian humanitarian agency told Sputnik.
According to the statement, Sierra Leonean ambassador to Russia Mohamed Yongawo played an important role in the opening of the new Russian House.
The country's Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Kenyeh Barlay, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, addressed the guests at the ceremony.
“This is a momentous occasion for our country, and we are excited to deepen our relationship with the Russian Federation,” Dr. Barlay said. “At the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, we thrive on partnerships, and we are open to working with the Russian people to enhance our nation’s growth and development.”
The event was also attended by the head of Connaught Hospital and a beneficiary of Russian education, Dr. Mark Kapuwa, and the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ceremony was coordinated by the former presidential spokesman, Solomon Jamiru.
“I am proud to be heading Sierra Leone’s largest hospital today because of the education I received in Russia,” Dr. Kapuwa said. He underlined the importance of his Russian education and how it influenced his work and contributions to the medical field.
The head of the Russian House in the country, Dmitry Degtyarev, spoke about the goals and plans, and the head of Rossotrudnichestvo, Yevgeny Primakov, delivered a video address.
Following the ceremony, the guests visited the first event held by the Russian House - a photo exhibition called "Cities of Russia", and also got acquainted with the traditional attributes of Russian folk culture.
Then, during informal communication, the guests and the organizers reportedly shared ideas and plans for further cooperation. The event was covered by the state TV broadcasters, radio stations and the local press.
Partner Russian Houses are represented by public organizations. Partners can take part in student and scientific exchanges and promotion of the Russian language and culture, including in the Russian humanitarian agency's information campaigns involving selecting foreigners and fellow nationals, who are provided with free education in Russia under the quota of the Russian government.