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Minister of Foreign Affairs Lays the Russian -Sierra Leone Visa-Free Agreement In Parliament.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Professor David John Francis has today, 21st October, 2021, presented to Parliament an agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of the Russian Federation on Visa-free travels for holders of Diplomatic and service passports.

The Memorandum of Understanding which was signed by the Minister and his Counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, during the one day state visit to Moscow will strengthen the already existing relationship both Countries have enjoyed over the years.

When approved by Parliament, the agreement will not only provide practical benefits, but also help in creating a sense of acceptance and inclusion, maintaining a high level of bilateral support, offers access to knowledge, exchange of experiences and directly shapes Cooperation in all segments.

Sierra Leone Emerges As Sole Candidate For West Africa For Un Security Council Seat Bid – 2024-2025

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Professor David Francis represented Sierra Leone at the 39th AU Executive Council Meeting organized by the African Union and held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from the 14th to the 17th October, 2021. Professor David Francis updated his colleague Foreign Ministers of the African Union that Sierra Leone’s United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seat bid in the Non-Permanent Category for 2024-2025 was in principle, endorsed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Ministers & Summit of Heads of States in Accra, Ghana in June 2021. Professor Francis also used the platform at the 39th Executive Council Meeting to formally present Sierra Leone’s UNSC seat bid in the Non-Permanent Category for 2024-2025 consideration and endorsement by the African Union.  As a show of solidarity and reciprocity, the Federal Republic of Nigeria withdrew its Candidature in favour of the Republic of Sierra Leone. In 2010, Sierra Leone also withdrew its candidature in favour of Nigeria. The Foreign Minister of Sierra Leone thanked Nigeria for their show of support for common solidarity to promote smaller states on the world stage. He profoundly thanked His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Foreign Minister of Nigeria for their magnanimity. 

In another engagement, the Minister of Foreign and International Cooperation, Professor David Francis has represented His Excellency President Bio at the 3rd mid-year Coordination Meeting of the African Union Heads of States and Governments. The Meeting focused on the status of Regional Integration in Africa; Division of Labour between the Member States, African Union Commission and the Regional Economic Communities; Covid-19 Pandemic in Africa and Provisional Appointment of the Chief Executive Office of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).    

Sierra Leone And Germany signs and exchange official notes on Technical Cooperation On The GIZ Program.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Tower Hill, Freetown, 21st September, 2021. The Government of Sierra Leone and the German Government have officially signed and exchanged notes on technical cooperation on the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) program. The GIZ is an international enterprise owned by the German Federal Government, operating in many fields across more than 130 Countries.

According to the Minister of Education, Prof. Alpha T Wurie, the project will cover four districts, which includes: Koinadugu, Kono, Kailahun and Bonthe. He said the program involves Entrepreneur skills that deals with technical, Vocational education and training. Prof. Wurie said the cooperation will focus on health care services, Agriculture, education and Youth employment. He thanked the German Ambassador for his leadership.                                                    

The German Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Amb. Horst Gruner, said the Government of Germany was determined to strengthen the Long-standing, diverse and friendly relations between Sierra Leone and Germany. He said the project will cost about 15.7 million euros. This he said will cater for the different sectors highlighted in the agreement. He thanked the Government of Sierra Leone for the good diplomatic relationship.                                                                                                              
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Madam Mamadi Gobeh Kamara in her remarks expressed her appreciation on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone to Government of the Republic of Germany for their Continues support to ensuring sixty years of excellent bilateral relationship between the two Countries. She said the two Countries have coordinated many mutually beneficial projects and programs. The honourable Deputy Minister Commended the invaluable German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) for their tremendous efforts over the years in supporting adult education, private sector development, youth empowerment, support to Government and economic growth and the organization of the financial sector.

“Today’s ceremony is an outcome of the signed technical cooperation agreement of the 13th September 1963, and amended on the 12th May 1974. The terms of this cooperation entail two important projects, the health system strengthening and Youth employment.’’ She stated

The Deputy Minister reassured the German Ambassador of the Government of Sierra Leone’s willingness to implement the two projects in the Ministry of Health and Ministry of planning and Economic Development.

She said the signing of the agreement was a true commitment that both Countries were ready for excellent bilateral cooperation. In conclusion, the Deputy Minister expressed appreciation to the German Government for it continuous support to Sierra Leone.