By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In a bid to cultivate mutual and economic benefits from their long standing relationship, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah has reaffirmed that the Government of Sierra Leone would open an Embassy in the Middle East, especially in Jerusalem, Israel’s capital.
Clarifying a tweet on the said matter, the Information and Civic Education Minister made this affirmation on Tuesday 29th August 2023 in a press briefing organized by his Ministry at Foreign Affairs building.
“His Excellency the President has indeed directed that Sierra Leone would open an Embassy in the state of Israel. This is consistent with our long standing partnership and relationship with the state of Israel dated back to the 1960s. We intend to enhance that relationship to cultivate mutual and economic benefits,” Information and Civic Education Minister, Chernor Bah read out.
The Minister emphasized that Sierra Leone had enjoyed a long standing relationship with the state of Israel even before the country gained independence, and went on noting that they want to continue building on that relationship. He assured that the relationship would significantly yield economic benefits and otherwise.
On that basis, Chernor Bah intimated that His Excellency the President, Julius Maada Bio had notified the cabinet to painstakingly look into such a lucrative adventure and ensure that Sierra Leone open an Embassy in Israel and also to make provision for Israel to open its Embassy in Sierra Leone. The Minister clarified that the venue for Sierra Leone’s Embassy in Israel may or may not be in the capital, Jerusalem.
The Information and Civic Education Minister made further clarifications in which he said Sierra Leone would continue to support the United Nations position that seeks a two state solution in the conflict between Israel and Pakistan. “Serra Leone’s position has not changed but still consistent with the United Nations and the African Union”, the Minister reinforced.
Following a tweet that had created a misunderstanding in relation to the Israel Embassy, the Information and Civic Education Minister admitted that had taken for the tweet, as he said the tweet misrepresented their position. He also encouraged members of the press to join them in their effort to clarify that issue and implore them to continue to that.