The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sierra Leone visited Ufa University of Science and Technology

The visit was a logical continuation of the strategic dialogue that took place in May this year in Moscow between the Rector of USNT (Ural Science and Technology University) Vadim Zakharov and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Russian Federation, Mohamed Yongavo. Today's meeting marked the transition to the practical implementation of previously reached agreements.

Following the best traditions of Bashkir hospitality, the distinguished guest was welcomed with a national touch: treated to aromatic chak-chak and given a lively dance greeting.

The program at Ufa University included a business meeting during which the parties examined concrete mechanisms for cooperation in the field of personnel training and the implementation of joint educational projects. Around the round table, key areas of interaction in science, higher education, and secondary vocational education were outlined. Special attention was paid to training personnel for Sierra Leone's economy, developing bilateral academic mobility, and implementing a pilot project to open preparatory faculty programs of USNT at one of the leading technical universities in the African country.

The prospects for scientific and educational partnership in the field of sustainable development of natural territories between the Republic of Sierra Leone and Bashkortostan were also discussed. Mr. Mohamed Yongavo told those present about the most beautiful protected areas of his homeland and noted that he is looking forward to visiting the Bashkir geopark "Toratau" and discovering the unique shikhans.

A rich excursion program was organized for the diplomat through the university's scientific and educational facilities, cultural centers, and advanced laboratories at the Interuniversity Campus. The Ambassador visited the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education of USNT, where a unique training model is implemented: graduates receive not only a diploma as a mid-level specialist but also acquire skills in in-demand trades, making them ready for real work in enterprises.

At the end of the visit, the Rector of USNT presented the distinguished guest with commemorative gifts: the national musical instrument kurai and Bashkir honey. The Ambassador assured that he would definitely learn to play it and would place this gift in a place of honor at his residence in Sierra Leone as a symbol of warm friendship between the peoples. Mohamed Yongavo also noted that the flags of the African country and Bashkortostan are surprisingly similar, which serves as a good omen for future partnership.

The Rector of USNT, Vadim Zakharov, shared his impressions of the visit:
"The visit of the Ambassador of Sierra Leone is a natural stage in the development of our relations. We laid the foundation for partnership back in May this year in Moscow and are now moving to concrete actions. I am confident that the interest of our African colleagues in USNT will only grow. And this is not surprising: today, nearly three thousand students from 60 countries around the world are studying at our university. We actively work with African universities and organizations, are part of the consortium 'Russian-African Network University', and see enormous potential for further expanding our cooperation."