By: Audrey Raymonda John
His Excellency Ambassador Ahmed Alturaifi, Chief of Arab and African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has expressed Bahrain’s keen interest in learning from Sierra Leone’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He also solicited Sierra Leone’s support for Bahrain’s own candidacy for a future seat.
Ambassador Alturaifi made the remarks during a diplomatic engagement with Her Excellency Haja Ishata Thomas, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain. He noted that Sierra Leone has earned international respect for its contributions to global peace and stability and praised the West African nation’s leadership within the UN system.
Sierra Leone was overwhelmingly elected to the UNSC in June 2023 under the leadership of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio. The country currently serves as one of the ten non-permanent members of the Council, marking its second tenure in 52 years.
Ambassador Alturaifi emphasized Bahrain’s desire to draw from Sierra Leone’s experience to enhance its own campaign and visibility within the international community. He proposed the establishment of a joint commission to facilitate knowledge-sharing and coordinate support, particularly across the African continent.
In response, Ambassador Thomas reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to international cooperation and multilateralism. She highlighted the country’s influential role as Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10), which is responsible for advancing the African Common Position on United Nations Security Council reform.
“Our position in the non-permanent category allows for further collaborative efforts with friendly partners to foster international peace and stability, especially in the Middle East,” Ambassador Thomas stated. “We will convey your message for reciprocal support.”
In a separate engagement, Ambassador Thomas met with a cross-section of Sierra Leoneans residing and working in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The meeting provided a platform to discuss challenges affecting the diaspora community. She commended them for positively representing Sierra Leone and urged continued adherence to Bahrain’s laws and regulations.
The relationship between Sierra Leone and Bahrain dates back to 1971, when Sierra Leone held the Presidency of the UN Security Council and supported resolutions that led to Bahrain’s admission to the United Nations General Assembly. In June 2022, bilateral relations were further strengthened with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of formal diplomatic ties.