US navy chief visits Sierra Leone-Presidency

The United States Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, is in Sierra Leone, holding talks with President Ernest Bai Koroma, the office of the President said Thursday in a statement. The statement said Mr Mabus was accompanied to State House by the US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, John Hoover.

The discussion, according to the statement, centered on the improvement of maritime security.

President Koroma said Sierra Leone was losing between $30 to $40 million in the fisheries sector every year and welcomed any proposals to look at areas to improve on the maritime security sector in the region.

The US has been helping Sierra Leone with its maritime sector but Koroma said despite these efforts more needs to be done.

The President requested support in terms of the provision of more radars and boats with enough capacities to be able to secure the country’s territorial waters and hence curb illegal activities along the coast line.

Koroma also used the opportunity to extend appreciation to the US government and people for their contribution in the fight against Ebola.