November 30, 2021
The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai has on the 29th November, 2021 departed Sierra Leone, Monday 29th November 2021 for a five (5) day working visit to Lisbon, Portugal (the host city of the g7+ European Hub) for a series of official meetings of g7+ scheduled from 29 November to 4 December, 2021.
The objectives of the working visit in Lisbon are to consolidate g7+ position to effectively promote its collective agenda at the global level and enhance its partnership with various institutions in Portugal and beyond. The meetings would be an opportunity to identify and agree upon priorities for 2022 and their collective course of action at the United Nations.
The Minister would hold a virtual meeting with representatives of member states, pay courtesy calls on Portuguese authorities, and public lecture at ISCSP (Instituto Superior de Cìencias Sociais e Politicas) and ESHTE (Escola Superior de Hoteleria e Tourismo) de Estoril.
The Minister is expected to attend a round table discussion with Ambassadors and International Partners, partake in the launch of the “Peace Cup” and the “The Study Center on Tourism in Fragile States” and also expected to lead a delegation to pay a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Portugal, His Excellency Prof. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
On the 2nd December, Minister Kai-Kai would attend a leadership brainstorming meeting on the strategic direction of the g7+, pay courtesy visit to His Excellency Dr. Carlos Moedas, President of Lisbon City Council and would then witness the submission of g7+ Credential Letter on the attainment of Observer Status by the United Nations and Associate Observer category by the Community of Portuguese Language Speaking Countries, the following day.
The visit, which is fully covered by the g7+ Secretariat, provides an avenue for the members of the g7+ to pursue their collective advocacy in the discourse of peace, security, stability and development, with even stronger impact.
The delegation also includes His Excellency Mr. Xanana Gusmao, Eminent Person of g7+; Mr. Habib Mayer, Deputy Secretary-General, g7+ and Madam Abie Kamara, Focal Person of g7+, Sierra Leone.