Freetown: The Russian Federation Ambassador Andzoy Stolyarov reaffirmed stronger Sierra Leone security cooperation Monday, signaling renewed bilateral commitment and practical next steps. During a courtesy visit to Minister of Internal Affairs AIG (Rtd.) Morie Lengor Esq. at Ministry headquarters on Gloucester Street in Freetown, Ambassador Stolyarov underscored Russia’s commitment to deeper collaboration in security and law enforcement.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, discussions centered on turning existing agreements into concrete action aimed at strengthening peace, public security, and institutional capacity in Sierra Leone. Minister Lengor described the meeting as an important step in advancing long-standing relations between both countries. He recalled his May 2025 official visit to Moscow, where he signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Russia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Vladimir Kolokoltsev, to promote cooperation in security and law enforcement.
He said focus must now shift from sign
ing agreements to implementing key provisions of the MoU. According to the Minister, the framework covers cooperation in prevention, detection, suppression, and investigation of crime, including organized transnational crime and related criminal activity.
Ambassador Stolyarov proposed the creation of a joint technical working group comprising officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Russian Embassy. He said the team would help coordinate the implementation of agreed initiatives, improve information sharing, strengthen investigative capacity, and support joint investigations requiring technical expertise or specialized assistance.
Minister Lengor also emphasized the need for capacity building and institutional development across Sierra Leone’s security sector. He urged both sides to identify priority areas for cooperation in line with the Ministry’s Strategic Plan rather than produce a broad list of requests. He noted that the Office of Chief Medical Examiner could particularly benefit from sp
ecialized training and equipment support.
Closing the meeting, Minister Lengor expressed confidence that the proposed technical working group would develop a clear implementation roadmap with short-term and long-term goals. He added that sustained collaboration on ongoing joint investigations would provide a strong foundation for broader security ties between Sierra Leone and the Russian Federation.