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The Management of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) received a delegation of navy personnel from Cote d’Ivoire who are in Sierra Leone in honor of the Grand African Nemo Exercise which is sponsored by the French Government for the Western African States in the Gulf of Guinea. The simulation exercise is geared towards preparedness for real and emergency situation of security interest creating the opportunity to interface with other naviesin the sub-region and to foster mutual understanding.

In his statement, the Operations and Training Officer Sierra Leone Navy, Commander Philip Tairu informed the meeting that the visit is to recognize the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority for its support as the Authority has always provided the space to host them. 

“I want to thank the management and staff of the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) for your continuous support and apologize for the impromptu visit. All this was planned yesterday late in the evening. I know it is always busy on Mondays yet youcreated time for this meeting,” Commander Tairustated. 

He disclosed that foreign navies from Cote d’Ivoire always come to Sierra Leone to participate with Sierra Leonean Navy anytime they have an exercise of this nature adding that this year’s exercise is the Grand Africa Nemo for Western African States.

The Leader of the delegation, Captain Sellu expressed appreciation to the SLPHA for honoring their visit and hosting them noting that in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA), their activity has been successful but that they cannot be in our marine space without paying visit to the leadership of the SLPHA. That the visit is primarily to express their gratitude to the Authority. 

Receiving the delegation, the Director of Finance SLPHA, Andrew Tamba Kpulun welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Authority and thanked them for the established relationship between the Sierra Leonean Navy and that of the Ivorian Navy which he described as outstanding. He disclosed that it should be the spirit within the African region, working towards knowledge sharing and strengthening of security within our maritime domain. 

Director Kpulun expressed hope that the unit and idea sharing between Cote d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone continue, adding that as a Management, the Authority will always create the platform in order to enhance the operations of the navy. He assured the delegation of the Authority’s unflinching support at any time they are in need of it. 

He received the plaque of appreciation on behalf of the Director General and the entire Management of the SLPHA form the Ivorian delegation and thanked them for the acknowledgement.