Liberia and Sierra Leone have taken an important step towards improving regional cooperation with maritime governance by signing a ground-breaking memorandum (MOU) to strengthen the maritime sectors in the two “sisterly” countries in West Africa.
The agreement signed on Friday, Feb 28, at the headquarters of the Liberian Maritime Authority or LiMA, in Monrovia, establishes a framework for training, technological exchange, and improved maritime governance between the two West African nations.
It is expected to pave the way for greater cooperation in key areas, including information sharing, marine environmental protection, and maritime security.
The agreement also comes in the wake of global crises such as the threats of pirates and conflicts in the middle east and parts of the Indian ocean which are posing serious challenges to the maritime industry in terms of security and safety of vessels and personnel.
Liberian Maritime Authority Commissioner/CEO Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., signed for Liberia, while the Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Authority, Dr. Daniel Kaitibi, represented the Republic of Sierra Leone at the signing.
Commissioner Lighe, in a statement, emphasized the importance of maritime cooperation in improving livelihoods and promoting sustainable development.
“The purpose of this partnership is to improve capacity structure and technology transfer, and at the same time to strengthen the maritime industry in both countries,” Cllr. Lighe said.
Commissioner Lighe believes that cooperation in these areas will make the maritime sectors of Liberia and Sierra Leone more robust and resilient.
He added that the agreement is important for Liberia, as the world’s largest open ship registry to enhance maritime protection and improve maritime security with neighboring countries, especially the republic of Sierra Leone, which is just a “stone” throw away from Liberia.
In remarks, Dr. Daniel Kaitibi, Executive Director of Sierra Leone Maritime Administration or SLMA, expressed delight, and termed Liberia’s global maritime call as a major maritime nation.
Dr. Kaitibi expressed Sierra Leone’s enthusiasm to learn from Liberia expertise.
“This collaboration with Liberia is important as a maritime nation due to her reputation. Sierra Leone can benefit from Liberian experience and rich maritime history,” Dr. Kaitibi said.
Also speaking was Hon. S. Tornorlah Varpilah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Liberia Maritime Authority.
Hon. Varpilah said the agreement is expected to pave the way for stronger cooperation in key areas such as information exchange, marine environmental protection and maritime security.
