By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has embarked on a new phase of Sierra Leone-Cuba relations following a significant meeting with Cuban Ambassador Norma Sanchez Aguila at the Cuban Embassy in Freetown on Monday.
Led by President Alhaji Manika Kamara, the SLAJ delegation included Immediate Past President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral ties through strengthened media collaboration.
Ambassador Aguila warmly welcomed the SLAJ representatives and expressed her enthusiasm for establishing a strategic partnership with the Association, building on over 53 years of friendship between Sierra Leone and Cuba. She highlighted the success of numerous Sierra Leoneans, particularly in the medical field, who have studied in Cuba, emphasizing that these inspiring stories remain largely untold in the media.
President Kamara underscored the potential benefits of this collaboration, stating, “Cuba has a long-standing reputation for excellence in media education and advocacy. This partnership presents Sierra Leonean journalists with opportunities to acquire new skills, broaden their perspectives, and share our collective narratives with the world.”
Both parties agreed to pursue a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the coming weeks to formalize their cooperation. The focus will include journalism training, media innovation, cross-cultural programs, and enhanced coverage of the Sierra Leone-Cuba relationship.
Ambassador Aguila proposed several initiatives, including professional and cultural exchange visits, connections between SLAJ and the Cuban Press Union, and a collaborative documentary chronicling key moments in the Sierra Leone-Cuba relationship, such as the Ebola and COVID-19 crises. She suggested that the documentary could be featured at Cuba’s prestigious annual International Film Festival.
As ex officio, Mr. Nasralla introduced the new SLAJ Executive and supported the initiative, advocating for the signing of the MoU to clearly define and guide the partnership.
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