By: Mohamed Sahr mohamedsahrpro@gmail.com
In an effort to maintain the long existing multilateral relations between European Union and the Government of Sierra Leone, both parties have reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening their partnership during the Annual Political Dialogue on Tuesday 17th October 2023 at State House in Freetown.
His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, chair of the European Union and Sierra Leone Dialogue said the important of the deliberation was built on multi-lateralism for the two parties; adding that it bridges their commitment to the rules-based world order within the framework of the United Nations. ‘’My government gives priority for the upcoming non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council of 2024-2025,” President Bio revealed.
He emphasized that Sierra Leone remains committed to universal respect, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all regardless of tribes, regions and partisan.
Both the Government of Sierra Leone and European Union delegates pledged to hold regular political dialogue on issues of common interests, and assuring to follow up on the conclusions and agreements reached in the end of the deliberations.
His Excellency Manuel Muller, Ambassador of the European Union to Sierra Leone said they would continue to support the initiatives of President Bio for the development of the country with special emphasis on his Big Five Agenda that prioritizes food security, boosting of the green economy, human capital development and governance. ‘’The priorities of the ongoing cooperation between Sierra Leone and EU will contribute to the implementation of Government’s agenda,’’ Ambassador Muller mentioned.
Members of the Sierra Leone delegation were led by President Bio, serving as chair, Honorable Vice President Dr. Juldeh Jalloh, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Timonty Kabbah, Attorny General and Minister of Justice Mohamed Lamin Tawarallie, Minister Planning and Economic Development Madam Kenyeh Barley, Minister of Environment Jiwoh Abdulai, Deputy Minister of Finance 1 Madam Jeneba Bangura, Financial Secretary Mathew Dingie and Development Secretary Peter Sam Kpakra.
Representatives of the European Union was led by His Excellency Manuel Muller, Ambassador of the European Union to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Jens Kraus-Massé, the Ambassador of Ireland to Sierra Leone, H.E. Aidan Fitzpatrick, the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of France, Romain Vuillaume, the Counsellor of the Embassy of Denmark, Ms. Trine Løber, and the Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Italy, Mr. Giovanni Fidele.