Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Colonel (Rtd) Muana Brima Massaquoi, has concluded a high-level official visit to the Republic of Türkiye, cementing a new chapter in bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries.
The visit, which spanned several days, culminated in the signing of a new financial aid agreement aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s defence and military medical capabilities. The agreement, titled The Protocol Regarding Financial Assistance, was signed between Colonel Massaquoi and Turkish Deputy Minister of National Defence, H.E. Apasian Kavaklioglu, on 24 July during the 17th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) held in Istanbul.
Colonel Massaquoi was accompanied by Brigadier-General Dr Stephens Sevalie, Commander of Defence Medical Services and Surgeon-General of 34 Military Hospital, and Colonel Dr Zhoud Kailie, his Military Executive Assistant.
The IDEF fair brought together more than 1,000 Turkish defence companies showcasing cutting-edge military innovations, including drones, firearms, naval systems, and advanced medical technologies. The event attracted officials from 99 countries, including Sierra Leone, and provided a platform for exploring long-term strategic partnerships.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, addressing the opening ceremony, stated Türkiye’s readiness to build “long-term multidimensional partnerships based on a win-win approach.” The fair, according to Turkish defence officials, was designed to expand international cooperation and boost the country’s global defence market footprint.
In his goodwill remarks, Colonel Massaquoi praised the Turkish government for its warm invitation and emphasised that the partnership would support Sierra Leone’s national security goals, technological advancement, and the operational readiness of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). He described the exhibition as a “valuable opportunity” for Sierra Leone to engage in technology transfer and defence modernization.
The newly signed protocol builds upon two previous bilateral agreements—the Defence Industry Cooperation Agreement (2021) and the Military Framework Agreement (2024)—which have already been ratified by Sierra Leone’s Parliament.
Following the signing, a strategic session was held between Colonel Massaquoi and another Turkish Deputy Defence Minister, H.E. Bilal Durbai. During the meeting, Durbai pledged support for Sierra Leone’s 34 Military Hospital, promising to supply advanced medical equipment, facilitate personnel exchange programs, and offer specialised training to improve military healthcare delivery.
The two parties also explored the possibility of deploying a Turkish Defence Attaché to the Turkish Embassy in Sierra Leone, enhancing future cooperation.
The visit concluded with a tour of the Baykar Defence Factory, where Sierra Leone’s delegation was introduced to Türkiye’s advanced unmanned drones equipped for surveillance, stealth, and offensive missions.
The new agreement is expected to play a key role in strengthening Sierra Leone’s defence sector, reinforcing regional security efforts, and bolstering the country’s military medical infrastructure.
