High Commissioner-Designate of Nigeria Presents Copies of His Letter of Credence To Foreign Minister Professor Francis

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Lebanon Charge d’Affairs, Mr Hadi Jaber Bids Farewell to Salone Foreign Minister

Press Release

High Commissioner-Designate of the Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Henry John Omaku on Monday 10th May, 2021 presented copies of his Letter of Credence to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prof. David Francis at his office, Ministry Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Tower Hill, Freetown.

Welcoming High Commissioner-Designate, His Excellency Henry John Omaku to the Republic of Sierra Leone, Prof. David Francis intimated the envoy that as the new Minister of Foreign and International Cooperation, he had brought to the Foreign Ministry a clear understanding of the priorities of the ‘New Direction’ Government of His Excellency, President Dr Julius Maada Bio.

Minister Prof. Francis went on to brief the High Commissioner-Designate on the new foreign policy shift from Economic Diplomacy to Development Diplomacy.

Development, he said, is the national interest of the “New Direction’s’ Government and that it is derived from the manifesto commitment and manifested in the Medium Term National Development Plan, the flagship human capital development of President focusing on education, health, agriculture and food security.

The shift, the Foreign Minister said, would focus on positioning the country as a small but inspiring and emerging country that is smart to focus on free education and to invest in long term sustainable future of the country as the new shift would look at strategic relationships with other countries.

Sierra Leone and Nigeria he said have had a strong cordial relationship that has spanned decades, and as the new Foreign Minister, he is going to continue to strengthen the bond between the two countries and that of the two Heads of States, their Excellencies, President Dr Julius Maada Bio and President Muhammad Buhari.

Minister Prof. Francis called on the High Commissioner-Designate to partner with Sierra Leone especially in the area of the training of diplomatic staff of the Foreign Ministry .

In his brief statement, High Commissioner -Designate, Mr Henry John Omaku once again congratulated Foreign Minister, Prof. David Francis on his new assignment as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

High Commissioner -Designate Omaku assured the Foreign Minister that he is in the country to put up his best in continuing to strengthen and deepen the already existing bilateral ties between Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

Speaking on his new role, he promised to partner with Sierra Leone, add value and bring in new innovations to ensure that things change in the right direction between the two sister countries with a view to creating an enabling environment for interaction and sharing ideas that would benefit the peoples of both countries.

-END-

 

SIGNED 

Alimatu Fofanah

Head of Section Media and Public Relations Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: www.mofaic.gov.sl

Email: media@mofaic.gov.sl

Contact: +232 78 861 822/77 713 939

New Foreign Minister meets with members of the diplomatic corps

Minister Professor David Francis Holds First Engagement with Members of the Diplomatic Corp

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Lebanon Charge d’Affairs, Mr Hadi Jaber Bids Farewell to Salone Foreign Minister

Press Release

The newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Prof. David J. Francis on Friday 7th May, 2021 held his maiden Engagement with members of the Diplomatic Corps in Sierra Leone at the Ministry’s main Conference Hall, Tower Hill, Freetown.

In her opening remarks, the newly appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Madam Mamadi Gobeh Kamara expressed sincere appreciation to members of the Diplomatic Corp for honouring the invite in the spirit of good neighborliness, camaraderie and the friendship ties that have characterized the bond between Sierra Leone and the Diplomatic Corps.

The Deputy Minister commended the Diplomatic Missions in Sierra Loene for their immense contributions in the fight to combat the spread of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Speaking on the issue of collaboration, Madam Mamadi Gobeh Kamara, echoed the enthralling essence for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to collaborate with the Diplomatic Community to share experience in various sectors.

She reaffirmed the importance of strengthening and deepening bilateral and multilateral relationship through enduring technical cooperation agreements and joint Commissions for Cooperation.

She concluded by assuring Members of the Diplomatic Corps of the cooperation of the new leadership at all times.

Speaking on the purpose of the meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prof. David J. Francis, apprised the envoys about a new shift in Sierra Leone’s Foreign Policy approach from Economic Diplomacy to Development Diplomacy.

This change, he said, has come as a result of the global crisis and its impact on the ‘New Direction’ Government which required a fundamental shift in the Foreign Policy approach and diplomatic posture of Sierra Leone to strategically position the country to convert and leverage the global challenges into unique opportunities for the ‘New Direction’ Government.

The shift, Prof. Francis said is based on the simple fact that economic diplomacy is only one form of diplomacy which include among others public, political, military vaccine, health diplomacies, and that it is not an end in itself, but a mean to an end, that end being is development/sustainable development in all its forms.

He added that the shift to Development Diplomacy is motivated by an increasingly diminishing global appetite for development assistance and foreign aid. A trend he said that had been necessitated by donor promotion of the concept of Trading out of Poverty’ ; the global COVID-19 pandemic and the international economic and financial crisis and, the attendant devastating impact on foreign aid to least developed and low income countries.

The Minister emphasized that the Diplomacy posture aims at to achieving Sierra Leone’s Development priorities and aspirations outlined in the Mid-term National Development Plan; the Human Capital Development flagship programme and the SLPP People’s Manifesto Commitment and that at the core of the new Development Diplomacy, is also the primary focus on Trade & Investment in all of Sierra Leone’s bilateral and multilateral foreign relations and diplomatic exchanges.

This, he said would increase Foreign Direct Investments, improve exports and support the President’s flagship Human Capital Development flagship programme, the Mid-term National Development Plan and the SLPP Manifesto commitments.

The Foreign Minister maintained that, central to the new Development Diplomacy, Trade and Investment Foreign Policy approach, is the deliberate and purposive choice to transform the country’s economy and achieve Middle-Income development status by tapping into opportunities around the world that will support & increase mutually beneficial economic and development relations in the country’s diplomatic exchanges.

He said, as a strategic priority, the Trade & Investment Development Diplomacy would promote in-country beneficiation and value-addition in all trade and investments opportunities attracted into Sierra Leone.

Ideologically, he said the new Development Diplomacy is about national respect and pride, about empowerment and ownership of the country’s Foreign Policy and Development destiny.

He concluded that, in the quest for the new Development Diplomacy Foreign Policy approach, Sierra Leone would continue to promote and positively work with traditional diplomatic friends and relations, as well as new and emerging partners within the context of the new framework to the pursuit of Sierra Leone’s Permanent interests that would protect and preserve the core national values with a primary focus on development.

Adding that this way, Sierra Leone would build a strong and credible Partnership for Development in all of her diplomatic relations.

-END-

 

SIGNED 

Alimatu Fofanah

Head of Section Media and Public Relations Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: www.mofaic.gov.sl

Email: media@mofaic.gov.sl

Contact: +232 78 861 822/77 713 939

Salone New Foreign Minister Interacts with the Media

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Lebanon Charge d’Affairs, Mr Hadi Jaber Bids Farewell to Salone Foreign Minister

Press Release

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prof. David J. Francis on Thursday 6th May, 2021 interacted with a cross section of members of the Fourth Estate at a Press Conference held at the Ministry’s main Conference Hall, Tower Hill, Freetown.

Welcoming members of the Press, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. David J. Francis said, since his appointment as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and his engagement with the senior leadership of the Ministry, he has thought it wise to engage the media in a Press Conference to present a new Foreign Policy Shift.

He informed the media of his first official encounter with senior and junior members of staff of the Ministry where he had encouraged them that there is an opportunity to change and transform the Foreign Ministry to make it a forward looking, progressive, dynamic and an enterprising Ministry that will project Sierra Leone as a confident, emerging country that is set to become a middle income country.

The Foreign Minister said he had called the Press Conference to present to the media a new Foreign Policy shift which would explain the direction Sierra Leone is heading, the type of international environment it would face, and how it should position itself as a small country to maximize the opportunities of the international system, and at the same time present Sierra Leone in terms of its opportunities, its favourable social and economic climate, and its foreign policy posture among others.

Minister Prof. David Francis explained to the media that they, himself and Deputy Minister are bringing to the Foreign Ministry a vision to strategically align His Excellency President Bio’s ‘New Direction’ vision to that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Pro. David Francis said he would bring to the Foreign Ministry a strategic leadership focusing on competence, professionalism, clear knowledge and understanding of Foreign Policy and international cooperation to leverage the country’s role in the international system.

The new shift, he added, is to strategically position Sierra Leone in order to convert global challenges and crises into opportunities and to leverage those opportunities for the ‘New Direction’ Government. The shift, he told the newsmen is from Economic Diplomacy to Development Diplomacy as a national interest. He called on the media to help project the new Foreign Policy Shift to rebrand Sierra Leone.

He acknowledged the leadership of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs Nabeela Farida Tunis for her relentless role played during her reign especially in reviewing the country’s Foreign Policy with clear recommendations.

-END-

 

SIGNED 

Alimatu Fofanah

Head of Section Media and Public Relations Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: www.mofaic.gov.sl

Email: media@mofaic.gov.sl

Contact: +232 78 861 822/77 713 939

Sierra Leone and Cuba Sign Regular Diplomatic Consultation Agreement

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Sierra Leone and Cuba Sign Regular Diplomatic Consultation Agreement

Press Release

The Government of Sierra Leone and the Government of Cuba on Friday 19th March, 2021 signed an Agreement on Regular Diplomatic Consultation during a virtual meeting between the Foreign Ministers of both countries.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs Nabeela Farida Tunis extended fraternal greetings to her Cuban counterpart, Mr Bruno Rodriquez Parrilla. Also, on behalf of His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, she thanked the Government and People of Cuba for providing Medical Brigades to Sierra Leone both during the Ebola epidemic and now the COVID-19 pandemic. The support during the pandemic, she said, helped to prevent the spread of the virus, as the Brigade team provided fantastic support to the Sierra Leone Medical team imparting them with pertinent knowledge in general healthcare.

The Foreign Minister said the signing ceremony marked another milestone in the bilateral relations that have existed for decades between the two sister countries. Minister Farida Tunis stated that the agreement, would tighten and deepen further the long standing friendship that the two countries have enjoyed.

Also, she informed her Cuban counterpart of Government’s desire to have discussions with the Cuban Government on establishing long term medical brigade in Sierra Leone that would be deployed across the country. Moreover, the discussions will also focus on how the two countries would work towards sustaining agreements on cooperation and on boosting the healthcare system of Sierra Leone. She requested from her counterpart for consideration of Sierra Leone when vaccines are readily available from Cuba. 

Furthermore, Minister Tunis disclosed to Minister Parrilla  the intention of Sierra Leone bidding for the United Nations Security Council Non-Permanent seat in 2024 and solicited support in that direction. She further disclosed President Julius Maada Bio’s consideration of having a presence in Cuba at Charge d’ Affairs level.

The Presence of Sierra Leone in Cuba she concluded would enhance meaningful bilateral cooperation. In his statement, the Cuba Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla expressed appreciation to his Sierra Leone counterpart for her relentless efforts in tightening the bilateral bonds between Cuba and Sierra Leone.

He expressed gratitude for the 49th celebration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Sierra Leone describing the occasion as historical and a benchmark for traditional mutual ties between the two countries. Mr Parrilla said, the signing ceremony of the agreement is an important step in strengthening and deepening the bilateral relations between Cuba and Sierra Leone.

Minister Parrilla emphasized that the bond of friendship between the two countries has started years back and has been enjoyed by the people of both countries. The Cuba Foreign Minister reiterated that the bilateral cooperation between Cuba and Sierra Leone is a priority for the Cuban Government.

He expressed profound gratitude and appreciation to Sierra Leone for the stance taken on multilateral issues including the 60 years economic embargo on Cuba. Speaking on the issue of the pandemic, Minister Parrilla said, as a government, they have been following up on the global trend and that his country has been able to keep the spread of the virus under control, despite the 300 COVID-19 death the country had suffered. His country’s vaccines, he said, are on clinical trials and promised that when they would be made available, Sierra Leone would be considered. 

Speaking on his country’s support to Sierra Leone, Mr Parrilla said that the Government of Cuba is planning to hold a technical cooperation meeting with the Sierra Leone Government on the medical field and that regarding the bilateral cooperation on education, they are considering an increase in the number of scholarships to Sierra Leone.

The Cuba Foreign Minister stated that Cuba and Sierra Leone have maintained an excellent tradition in supporting each other, assuring that Cuba will continue to support Sierra Leone’s interests at the multilateral levels.

He concluded that the Cuban Government highly welcomes the idea of Sierra Leone having a presence in Cuba and of receiving H. E. President Bio and Minister Nabeela Tunis in Havana when the COVID- 19 situation allows safety to travel.

Present at the signing ceremony were the Director General and Ambassador-at-Large, Mrs Florence Nyawa Bangalie,  Director of Americas and South Pacific who coordinated and moderated the meeting, Mrs Isha Sillah, Deputy Director of America and South Pacific, Mr Steven Levey and staff of the America Division.

 

-END-

 

SIGNED 

Alimatu Fofanah

Head of Section Media and Public Relations Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: www.mofaic.gov.sl

Email: media@mofaic.gov.sl

Contact: +232 78 861 822/77 713 939

Charge d’Affairs of Lebanon, Mr Hadi Jaber Bids Farewell to Salone Foreign Minister

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Lebanon Charge d’Affairs, Mr Hadi Jaber Bids Farewell to Salone Foreign Minister

Press Release

The Charge d’Affairs of Lebanon to Sierra Leone, Mr Hadi Jaber on Tuesday, 23rd February, 2021 bade farewell to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs Nabeela Farida Tunis at her Tower Hill Office, OAU, Driver, Freetown.

In his farewell statement, the Charge d’Affairs spoke on the strong bilateral relationship between Lebanon and Sierra Leone which he said has spanned for decades now. Mr Jaber highlighted some of the development strides his country embarked on in Sierra Leone.

Mr Jaber said during his stay in the country, the embassy together with the Lebanese Community in Sierra Leone donated some food aid and facilitated the arrival of some Medical Practitioners from Lebanon who spent more than 2 months in Sierra Leone to help combat the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

He assured the Minister that his Successor would follow up on other remaining issues, deepen the bilateral ties, exploring on other development issues and work on the bilateral agreements on taxation, investment among others.

The Charge d’Affairs commended the Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for the good collaboration and stronger ties between the two countries.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs Nabeela Tunis in her response said it had been a pleasure working with the Charge d’ Affairs adding that, as a Ministry they are satisfied with the cooperation under the stewardship of the Charge d”Affairs and the Embassy and that they are looking forward to continue to strengthen the cooperation with his successor.

Mrs Tunis said the Government of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone are aware and appreciate the efforts made by Mr Hadi Jaber, the Embassy and the Lebanese Community to get the required assistance to help the Government in its response to COVID-19.

Minister Tunis thanked the Charge d’Affairs for the bilateral agreement on Taxation and Investment that has been placed on the table; reminding him of Government’s strides in focusing on trade and investment by creating an enabling business environment for both entrepreneurs and potential investors to thrive into the country.

She thanked the Charge d’Affairs for his efforts in the issue of Sierra Leonean domestic workers in Lebanon, the legitimization of visa issuance to future and intending domestic workers to Lebanon and supports in the areas of health and education. 

Minister Tunis commended Charge d’Affairs, Mr Jaber for cooperating with the Ministry and Government on issues of national and global concerns.

She concluded her statement by wishing Mr Hadi Jaber on behalf of the Ministry and the Government of Sierra Leone the very best in his future engagement.

In attendance were the Deputy Director of Operations, the Director of Asia and Deputy Director of Protocol.

-END-

 

SIGNED 

Alimatu Fofanah

Head of Section Media and Public Relations Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: www.mofaic.gov.sl

Email: media@mofaic.gov.sl

Contact: +232 78 861 822/77 713 939

Sierra Leone High Commission in Kenya Mourns the Death of Mr. Peter Joseph Francis, High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya

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Death of Mr. Peter Joseph Francis

Press Release

The staff of the Sierra High Commission in Kenya and the Sierra Leonean Community in Kenya mourn the death of Mr. Peter Joseph Francis, the Sierra Leone High  Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya, who passed away on Monday, the 28th December 2020 in his home town, Kenema, eastern Sierra Leone while on vacation.

The High Commission is saddened by this tragic and sudden death and considers it as an irreparable and great loss. It will forever mourn and always remember him for his  unwavering commitment, patriotism and diligence to national service. The High Commission also expresses its heartfelt and devout condolences to the wife and the entire bereaved family.

High Commissioner Mr. Peter Joseph Francis was also Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN— Habitat.

 

A Book of Condolence has been opened at the Chancery’s Premises in Nairobi, Kenya.

 

Rest In Peace Mr. Peter Joseph Francis, Till We Meet Again.

-END-

 

SIGNED 

Alimatu Fofanah

Head of Section Media and Public Relations Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: www.mofaic.gov.sl

Email: media@mofaic.gov.sl

Contact: +232 78 861 822/77 713 939

Vice President Jalloh Leads Sierra Leone Delegation to ECOWAS Virtual Extra Ordinary Summit

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Vice President Jalloh Leads Sierra Leone Delegation to ECOWAS Virtual Extra Ordinary Summit

Press Release

The Hon. Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on Friday 28th August, 2020 led Sierra Leone delegation which comprise of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs Nabeela Farida Tunis, Minister of Defence, Brigadier (Rtd.) Kellie Conteh and an expert from the Directorate of Africa in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Yousuf Benga-Sama to ECOWAS virtual Extra Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government.

The conference which was summoned, was headed by the Former President of the Republic of Nigeria, HE Goodluck Jonathan to look into the report of the ECOWAS Mediation on the Socio-political in the Republic of Mali.

In his contribution, the Hon. Vice President of Sierra Leone apologised on behalf of His Excellency Brigadier (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio who was unavoidably absent due to some other state functions.

The Hon. Vice President made succinct presentation in resolving the Mali crisis based on his UN experiences in peace and resolution and on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone supported the resolutions taken by the ECOWAS Commission and the International Committee in resolving the Mali crisis peacefully.

He however, cautioned the decision of the ECOWAS with regards the transitional period in order to arrive at a concession with all stakeholders in Mali.

He furthered reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s solidarity with the people of Mali during this trying times and congratulated the President of Nigel who doubles as Chairman of Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, His Excellency Mohamadu Issoufou for his exemplary leadership in proffering a solution to the Mali crisis.

The Summit was climaxed with key decisions which among them was the resignation of His Excellency Ibrahim Boubacar Keita as President of the Republic of Mali in order to minimize the crisis in Mali, the formation of a transitional government to be headed by a civilian President and civilian Prime Minister and that they should not contest for further elections, the Military should not be at the helm of affairs nor lead the transition government.

The Summit also took note of the prevailing circumstances in Mali and promised to review certain restrictions; ECOWAS and the International Committee should agree on decisions taken by the Authority; the setting up of a committee which should comprise of ECOWAS, AU, UN and other International Organizations to monitor the situation in Mali.

The Summit was pleased with the information of the release of both Mali Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament by the Junta.

The Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, His Excellency Mohamadou Issoufou expressed his thanks and appreciations to his colleagues Heads of State for their meaningful contributions in proffering solutions to resolve the Mali crisis and for attending the summit.

The Summit was adjourned to September 7th 2020 in Niamey, Republic of Nigel to further explore necessary avenues to resolve the Mali crisis.

 

-END-

 

SIGNED 

Alimatu Fofanah

Head of Section Media and Public Relations Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: www.mofaic.gov.sl

Email: media@mofaic.gov.sl

Contact: +232 78 861 822/77 713 939

Sierra Leone Foreign Minister Holds Fruitful Discussions with China’s State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs

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Sierra Leone Foreign Minister Holds Fruitful Discussions with China's State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs

Press Release

The Foreign Minister of Sierra Leone, Mrs Nabeela Tunis, on 31st July 2020 had a tele-meeting with her China’s State Councilor Wang Yi. Minister Tunis in her initial remarks, reassured Councilor H. E. Wang Yi of Sierra Leone’s continued commitment to further strengthen the diplomatic ties that have existed between the two countries for nearly half a century.

Minister Tunis described China as a reliable partner to Sierra Leone’s socioeconomic development drive, and reiterated Sierra Leone’s commitment to continue working closely with China to achieve goals and objectives that are of common and shared  interest and  mutually beneficial to both countries, especially in the international arena.

Minister Tunis highlighted the current challenge that COVID-19 continues to pose to the development ambitions of the Government and appealed to her Chinese counterpart to consider working with the Government of Sierra Leone in investing in Education, agriculture, promotion of local industry, fisheries, and technology transfer.

In response, the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, H. E Mr Wang Yi, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening the mutual trust and friendship that continues to flourish between the two countries. Minister Wang also reaffirmed China’s continued commitment to working with the government of Sierra Leone to defeat COVID-19, as well as to assist the country to recover from the economic setback caused by the pandemic.

Minister Wang disclosed that the Chinese Government will tap into special funds set aside for Africa to help Sierra Leone promote its development objectives in Education, health, agriculture, fisheries, and other areas. H.E., Councilor Wang Yi further informed of his government’s willingness to sign a cooperation agreement with Sierra Leone on implementing the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI).

Councilor Wang Yi and Minister Tunis agreed that the two countries should engage in proper planning and execution of cooperation agreements as diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and China approach 50 years.

He concluded by confirming China’s willingness to work with African countries including Sierra Leone, for the advancement of common interests in the international fora.

 

-END-

 

SIGNED 

Alimatu Fofanah

Head of Section Media and Public Relations Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: www.mofaic.gov.sl

Email: media@mofaic.gov.sl

Contact: +232 78 861 822/77 713 939

Foreign Minister Holds Virtual Bilateral Talks with Rwanda Minister

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Sierra Leone Foreign Minister Holds Virtual Bilateral Talks with Rwanda Minister

Press Release

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs Nabeela Farida Tunis on Tuesday July 28th 2020 held a Virtual bilateral conversation with Rwanda Minister, Mr Vincent Biruta.

During the virtual Meeting, the two ministers discussed several issues of mutual interest ranging from cooperation on the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, cooperation on international platforms including the United Nations and Africa Union, to the signing of a Joint Cooperation Commission in Sierra Leone later this year.

Minister Tunis, on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, expressed her sincere condolences to the Government and people of Rwanda for the precious Rwandan lives that have been lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Tunis appealed for a continued global and regional solidarity to defeat the COVID-19 disease. Minister Nabeela Tunis went on to inform her counterpart of the ratification by the Sierra Leone Parliament of the Cooperate Agreement that was signed between the two countries in 2019.

Minister Tunis told her Rwanda counterpart, Minister Vincent Biruta that Sierra Leone is looking forward to receiving a team of experts from Rwanda to operationalized the Agreements.

The Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta assured Minister Tunis  of Rwanda’s commitment to further strengthen the already strong bilateral ties that have existed  between the two countries for decades.

Minister Biruta highlighted key areas of potential socioeconomic and technological cooperation between Sierra Leone and Rwanda .

Minister Biruta underscored the importance of the Joint Cooperation Commission that will be signed in Freetown after the COVID-19 restrictions on travel are relaxed.

Both Ministers agreed to continue working closely on issues of mutual interest both at the bilateral and multilateral levels.

-END-

 

SIGNED 

Alimatu Fofanah

Head of Section Media and Public Relations Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: www.mofaic.gov.sl

Email: media@mofaic.gov.sl

Contact: +232 78 861 822/77 713 939

Minister Nabeela Tunis Held Bilateral Talks with Turkish Foreign Minister

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Lebanon Charge d’Affairs, Mr Hadi Jaber Bids Farewell to Salone Foreign Minister

Press Release

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Mrs. Nabeela Tunis, held a virtual meeting with her counterpart, the Turkish Foreign Minister, H.E. Mevlut Cavusoglu.

Opening the discussion with the usual diplomatic courtesies, Minister Tunis highlighted the unprecedented human and material cost unleashed by the pandemic and more specifically, the resultant socio-economic difficulties encountered by developing countries. In reference to the situation in Sierra Leone, Minister Tunis shared lessons from an early response strategy instituted by government which has helped to curb the spread of the disease. Noting that support from friendly countries was critical in ramping up the national response, Minister Tunis thanked the Turkish government on behalf of H. E. the President, Dr Julius Maada Bio, for its donation of respiratory equipment and medical supplies through the Kar Power Electricity Company in Freetown.

During the conversation, Minister Tunis conceded that the pandemic had shifted focus away from other important developmental processes that Sierra Leone had been engaged in prior to the outbreak. However, she appealed to her colleague to remain committed to the cooperation agreements they signed in 2019 on education, technology and industry sectors as well as capacity strengthening of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, among others.

Minister Tunis informed her colleague that an appreciable parcel of land has been allocated to the Turkish Embassy in Sierra Leone to construct its Chancery and Residence.      

In response, the Turkish Foreign Minister expressed his country’s appreciation of the excellent relationship between the two nations and committed to strengthen it further by fulfilling the cooperation agreements and providing diplomatic training and other support for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He disclosed that the Turkish International School in Freetown will be upgraded to a higher level and shared plans to improve on the cultural relations between the two nations.

H.E. Mevlut Cavusoglu also informed of a planned visit by a Turkish business delegation as soon as the pandemic eases and reaffirmed his country’s readiness to facilitate the acquisition of land for the construction of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Ankara.

Both Ministers agreed that concluding the current Cooperation Agreement on Trade and Development, including the one on Double Taxation, was the first step to strengthening the diplomatic ties between the two nations.

They also agreed on an immediate virtual meeting between the two Presidents to be followed by a State Visit.

-END-

 

SIGNED 

Alimatu Fofanah

Head of Section Media and Public Relations Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: www.mofaic.gov.sl

Email: media@mofaic.gov.sl

Contact: +232 78 861 822/77 713 939

Signing of Exchange of Notes on Japanese Grant-in-Aid to Support the Fight Against COVID-19 in Sierra Leone

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Press Release

On 8th July 2020, the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of Japan signed Exchange of Notes for a Japanese Grant-in-Aid worth about 3.6 million United States Dollars.

The Exchange of Notes were signed by H.E Mrs Francess Virginia Anderson, High Commissioner of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Republic of Ghana and H.E Mr. HIMENO Tsutomu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Sierra Leone.

During the signing ceremony the Japanese Ambassador reaffirmed Japan’s determination to strengthen the bond of friendship between the two countries and assured the Sierra Leonean side of his country’s commitment to assist Sierra Leone, not only in the fight against Covid-19, but in other areas of the health sector as well, and other sectors of social economic development such as energy and education through support to the school feeding programme of HE President Bio’s Free Quality Education initiative.

High Commissioner Francess Virginia Anderson responded by first conveying the thanks and appreciation of H.E President Julius Maada Bio for Japan’s continued support to Sierra Leone. She also assured her Japanese counterpart of the government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to expand and strengthen bilateral cooperation with Japan.

The High Commissioner further reassured of her Government’s readiness to receive the medical equipment that will be provided through this grant-aid, which she said will save many Sierra Leonean lives.

Cotton Tree Medical Group Donates 500 Pieces of N95 Face Masks to Government of Sierra Leone

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Cotton Tree Medical Group

Press Release

The Cotton Tree Medical Group, a social enterprise company which operates in Freetown on Thursday April 2nd 2020, donated 500 pieces of N95 to the Government of Sierra Leone through the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Welcoming the Cotton Tree Medical Group and Representatives of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the handing over ceremony which was held in the Directors’ Conference Room at the Ministry, the newly appointed Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Florence Nyawa Bangalie said the donation had come in at a time when the country had recorded its second case of the Coronavirus infection. The donation she said was an indication that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to the efforts of government in the fight against the COVID-19 Virus. She maintained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had communicated to all its Missions abroad requesting all Sierra Leoneans and Governments to assist the country with protective equipment in the prevention and fight against the dreadful disease.

In his brief remarks, the Director of Asia who is also the Chairman of the COVID-19 Task Force at the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Wiston T. Yankuba stated that the donation was indeed an important gesture as its came in when WHO had declared COVID-19 as a pandemic.

Representing the Owner and CEO of the Cotton Tree Medical Group and a Sierra Leonean based in Washington DC, Dr. Fouad Sheriff, Mr. Alfred M. Jamiru said that the donation was done in light of the world pandemic of COVID-19 and the company’s commitment to help Sierra Leone battle against the dreaded virus. He commended the efforts of the Government in putting out preventive measures earlier. Mr. Jamiru further stated that as a Medical company, they want to ensure that health professionals have the right personal protective gears they needed to prevent them from being victims of the virus while helping in the various communities. He concluded by appealing that the donation made be distributed to frontline workers, such as Community Health Officers, Nurses and Doctors; while stating their commitment to doing their part to keep Sierra Leoneans safe and healthy.

In his response on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Nabella Farida Tunis, the Deputy Minister, Solomon Jamiru Esq thanked the company on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone for the timely donation. He spoke about Government’s efforts in the fight to prevent the virus from entering the country. He went on to reiterate that, now that the country had recorded two cases, the Government has mounted up more robust measures in combating its spread. He called on other Sierra Leoneans to emulate such gestures in aiding the fight against the dreadful virus in the country.

Receiving the donation from the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Philip D. Kargbo on behalf of his Ministry applauded the company for its kind gesture and assured that the N95 Face Masks would be made available to the intended beneficiaries.

 

(MFAIC Press Office Freetown)

Diplomatic Corps in Sierra Leone Donates Items for the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC)

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Diplomatic Corps in Sierra Leone donates to EOC

Press Release

A cross section of members of the Diplomatic Corps in Sierra Leone on Wednesday, 8th April, 2020 presented a list of donated items for the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) through the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Nabeela Farida Tunis.

Presenting the list of items to the Minister on behalf of his colleagues at a ceremony held at the Director’s Conference Room of the Ministry, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency, Dr. Habiss Ibrahim Ugbada, High Commissioner of Nigeria to Sierra Leone, said they were presenting the items to the EOC to show solidarity with the Government and people of Sierra Leone.

High Commissioner Dr. Ugbada re-assured the Minister that as partners in development, the Government and people of Sierra Leone are not alone in the fight to combat the deadly scourge in the country. He said they would continue to partner with the Government of Sierra Leone in achieving the desired development goals of the ‘New Direction’ under the administration of His Excellency President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio.

Receiving the list of donated items, Mrs. Nabeela Farida Tunis thanked the Diplomats for their unwavering support to the EOC, Government and people of Sierra Leone during this crucial times. She stated that irrespective of the global spread of the COVID- 19 which has overwhelmed every nation in the world, the Diplomats have come together to support the country by donating such items. This, she maintained, exhibited the kind of relationship Sierra Leone has established with them which has transcended beyond boundaries.

Also, she updated the gathering that Sierra Leone has registered seven (7) confirmed cases with no loss of lives, adding that the Government of His Excellency President Julies Maada Bio is working hard to curtail the spread of the deadly virus in the country.

She called on the Diplomatic Community in Sierra Leone to work together in combating the pandemic in the world.

The list included 55 buckets, 44 packets of tissue, 37 rolls of toilet roll, 2 Cartoons of Dettol, 12 Cartoons of Hand wash soaps, 276 packs of water, 14 ½ Cartoons of Laundry soap, 15 Gallons of Bleach soap, Hand sanitizer, 1 Cartoon Hand Glove, 7 Cartoons of Liquid Dettol soap and provisions.

The ceremony was attended by all the Directors of Ministry.

 

(MFAIC Press Office Freetown)

India Donates about 1000 Metric Tons of Rice as Humanitarian Assistance

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Humanitarian Assistance Provided by India with the Donation of about 1000 Metric Tons of Rice

Press Release

The Government and People of the Republic of India on Monday 15th March, 2021 handed over to the Government and People of the Republic of Sierra Leone a consignment of about 1000 metric tons of rice as humanitarian assistance.

In her welcome statement at the handing over ceremony which was held in the Ministerial Conference Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Director General and Ambassador-at-Large, Mrs Florence Nyawa Bangalie, said the event was an enormous collective efforts by different entities since the arrival of the India Non-Basmati Parboiled rice some several weeks ago at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay.

She recalled that on 5th February, 2021, the Government of India had also donated a large quantity of medicines to help in the fight against COVID-19 and other illnesses. The Government of India she added, is one of Sierra Leone’s many friends that have helped and continues to help the Government and people of Sierra Leone at all times.

On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, DG Bangalie expressed appreciation on behalf of the Minister to the Ministry of Finance and the Shipping Agency for facilitating the clearing process and the E&S Company for providing storage facilities for the donated quantity of rice.

Handing over the donated rice, the India High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, H. E Mr Rakesh K. Arora reiterated the commitments made by his country’s Vice President during his October, 2019 visit to Sierra Leone. These commitments, the India High Commissioner said, have been fulfilled with the provision of about 1000 metric tons of India Non-Basmati Parboiled rice and the establishment of an India Resident Mission in Freetown.

The rice, he said was donated to the Government and People of Sierra Leone by the Government and People of the Republic of India as humanitarian assistance, and that the establishment of the India Resident Mission in Freetown is to ensure efficient implementation of India’s development cooperation and capacity building programmes, as well as public services such as the issuance of visas to Sierra Leoneans. India and Sierra Leone, he said have continued to share warm and cordial diplomatic ties that have spanned for decades.

This relation Mr. Arora said, has led the two countries to sign numerous MoUs and to agree to hold the inaugural meeting of the Foreign Office Consultations in Freetown on the 25-26 March, 2021. He assured the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the India Government’s commitment in strengthening the bilateral the ties of cooperation between the two sister countries.

Giving the Key Note speech, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs Nabeela Farida Tunis, said the handing over ceremony of the donated rice by the Government of India to the Government and People of Sierra Leone as humanitarian assistance was a remarkable event as it serves as a testament to the friendly relations between the Peoples of the two countries.

She expressed thanks on behalf of His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio, the Government and People of Sierra Leone to the Prime Minister and People of India for the humanitarian offer. This, Minister Tunis said has come among several sustained bilateral engagements the India government has ensured since the sisterly countries established diplomatic relations decades ago. The donated 1000 metric tons of rice, she said would certainly go a long way in helping many vulnerable Sierra Leoneans.

Sierra Leoneans, the Minister said, are pleased with the efforts of the two governments in strengthening the bilateral bond that is existing between the two countries, adding that the cooperation agreements signed by the two Governments are invaluable in cementing the bilateral ties.

The Foreign Minister commented that, the Foreign Office Consultations which will be the first to be held in Freetown in the coming days, would provide the opportunity for further bilateral engagements and cooperation on global issues. Mrs Tunis renewed the assurances of the commitment of the Government of His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio to further deepen and strengthen the friendly relations between the two nations.

 

She expressed confidence that Sierra Leone will leverage the presence of the India High Commission in Freetown to explore more potential areas of partnership for mutual benefit of the two countries.

 

She concluded by thanking the High Commissioner, Mr Arora for his kind gesture in facilitating the arrival of the rice. Mrs Tunis also thanked the Ministry of Finance, the Shipping Agency for their support in clearing the rice within the shortest possible time and E&S for providing the storage facility.

 

-END-

 

SIGNED 

Alimatu Fofanah

Head of Section Media and Public Relations Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: www.mofaic.gov.sl

Email: media@mofaic.gov.sl

Contact: +232 78 861 822/77 713 939

Press Release: The Case of 2 Deportees from the United States of America to Sierra Leone

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Case of 2 Deportees from US to SL

Press Release

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation wishes to inform the public that, the case of the two deportees from the United States of America to Sierra Leone; Mr. Prince A. Latoya and Mr. Saren Idaho claiming to be citizens of the Commonwealth nations of Dominica and The Bahamas respectively are under investigations, on how they ended up in Sierra Leone.

In mid last year, it was ascertained in Washington DC that they were Sierra Leoneans when birth certificates of supposedly Sierra Leonean origin were found on them and both men were vehemently claiming to be Sierra Leoneans based on which the Emergency Travel Certificates (ETC) were issued for their deportation by the United States Immigration and Customs enforcement agency (ICE).On arrival in Sierra Leone and upon closer examination by competent authorizes in Freetown early this year, the birth certificates were found to be false.

The Ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation has since established that the deportees made a new claim of being citizens of the commonwealth nations of Dominica and Bahamas by giving fresh bio data to substantiate their claims.

With these new biodata, the Ministry, instructed its Embassy in Washington D.C, United States of America to contact the embassies of the Commonwealth nations of the Dominica and The Bahamas for verification.

In the case of Saren Idaho, the Embassy of the Commonwealth of the Dominica has denied his claims to citizenship due to lack of records in their civic registration data bank. In the case of Prince Latoya, our Embassy in Washington is awaiting for response from the Embassy of the Commonwealth of Bahamas for a meeting request to discuss his claims to citizenship to that Nation.

The Ministry continues to engage with relevant stake holders in Sierra Leone and in the United States of America to ascertain the true nationalities of these deportees to facilitate their eventual repatriation from Sierra Leone.  

Meanwhile, the Ministry is providing money to Mr. Idaho to access medical services. Essential items, accommodation and food have also been provided to both of them.

 

-END-

SIGNED 

Alimatu Fofanah

Head of Section Media and Public Relations Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

OAU Drive, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Website: www.mofaic.gov.sl

Email: media@mofaic.gov.sl

Contact: +232 78 861 822/77 713 939