Freetown, 27 July 2025
Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Colonel (Retired) Muana Brima Massaquoi, has concluded a high-level official visit to the Republic of Turkiye, aimed at strengthening bilateral military cooperation between the two countries.
The week-long visit culminated in Sierra Leone signing a new financial aid agreement with Turkiye, known as the Protocol Regarding Financial Assistance. The signing took place during the 17th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF), held in Istanbul, which brought together over 1,000 Turkish defence companies and nearly 1,000 government officials from 99 countries.
Colonel Massaquoi was joined by Brigadier-General Dr. Stephens Sevalie, Commander of Defence Medical Services and Surgeon-General of 34 Military Hospital, and Colonel Dr. Zhoud Kailie, Military Executive Assistant to the Deputy Minister.
During the opening ceremony of IDEF on July 22, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized his country’s readiness to form “long-term, multidimensional partnerships based on a win-win approach.”
The event served as a platform for showcasing Turkiye’s advancements in defence technologies, including drones, fighter jets, naval systems, and ammunition.
On July 24, Colonel Massaquoi and his Turkish counterpart, HE Apasian Kavaklioglu, signed the new agreement, which aims to address critical defence and medical challenges facing the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).
“This visit marks a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with Turkiye,” said Colonel Massaquoi. “The IDEF exhibition provided Sierra Leone with a unique opportunity to explore areas of strategic cooperation and technology transfer, which will contribute to national security and the operational readiness of our armed forces.”
He also noted that the agreement reflects both nations’ commitment to enhancing regional stability, capacity building, and technological development in the defence and health sectors.
Following the signing, Sierra Leone’s delegation held a special session with another Turkish Deputy Minister of Defence, HE Bilal Durbai, who pledged support for 34 Military Hospital.
He announced plans to supply advanced medical equipment, initiate personnel exchanges, and introduce military health training programs. He also confirmed the future deployment of a Turkish Defence Attaché to the Turkish Embassy in Sierra Leone.
The two delegations also discussed the deployment and cost-effectiveness of unmanned drones in modern warfare. Colonel Massaquoi later toured the Baykar factory, a key producer of surveillance, stealth, and combat drones.
This latest protocol builds on previous bilateral agreements, including the Defence Industry Cooperation Agreement ratified by Sierra Leone’s Parliament in 2021 and the Military Framework Agreement* ratified in 2024.
The Defence Public Relations and Information Department described the visit as a “strategic step forward” in the evolving partnership between the two nations.