The Hungarian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Andras Szabo has today paid a courtesy visit on His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio at State House in Freetown.

Ambassador Andras Szabo started by congratulating President Bio on his inauguration. He said that the government of Hungary is committed to supporting the new direction of President Bio adding that they have gone through the priority areas of His Excellency and are very pleased to support his new administration in areas of agriculture, education, and tourism.

On the area of education, the Hungarian Ambassador said that they are willing to provide ten scholarships per annum to Sierra Leoneans wishing to study in Hungary and promised that the number will increase in the future. He also stated that they will assist the government of Sierra Leone in setting up vocational centers so as to help capacitate youth and increase empowerment. In line with the vision of President Bio, the Hungarian Ambassador also pledged his government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector.

In his response, President Bio thanked the Hungarian Ambassador for the visit. He said that his government is willing to deepen the bilateral ties in a bid to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. He said his government has mapped out key priority areas for investment ranging from education, agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure.

On the area of agriculture, President Bio stated that his government is very much determined to improve the agricultural sector so as to increase food productivity. He added that the country is spending a lot on importing food items which he said is not helping. President Bio also mentioned that he intends to transform agriculture into a profitable industry capable of providing jobs for youth as well as increasing on the country’s foreign exchange. He, therefore, called on the Hungarian government to support his Programmes.