By: Mohamed J. Bangura
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has met with Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Al-Dabaiba in Tripoli to strengthen diplomatic relations and explore opportunities for expanded bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The high-level meeting focused on revitalizing longstanding diplomatic ties, enhancing regional cooperation and identifying new areas of mutual interest between Sierra Leone and Libya.
Minister Swaray, who returned to Tripoli to participate in the Executive Council Ministerial Meeting of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD), conveyed warm greetings from President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to the Government and people of Libya.
During the engagement, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to deepening its relationship with Libya through sustained diplomatic engagement, mutual understanding and cooperation in addressing common challenges facing the African continent.
Drawing on Sierra Leone’s experience of overcoming civil conflict and rebuilding its national institutions, Minister Swaray expressed solidarity with the Libyan people and reaffirmed his country’s support for a Libyan-led process towards peace, stability and national reconciliation.
He emphasised the importance of peaceful dialogue and national ownership in resolving political challenges and achieving lasting stability.
Sierra Leone’s post-conflict recovery, he noted, offers valuable lessons on the importance of reconciliation, inclusive governance, institutional strengthening and collective commitment to national development.
The discussions also highlighted the need to revitalize the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD), with both countries recognizing the importance of strengthening regional institutions and enhancing cooperation among African nations.
CEN-SAD provides a platform for member states to promote regional integration, economic cooperation and collective responses to development and security challenges.
The meeting also explored opportunities to broaden bilateral cooperation between Freetown and Tripoli, building on the longstanding diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
For Sierra Leone, stronger relations with Libya align with its broader foreign policy objectives of expanding international partnerships, promoting African solidarity and advancing South-South cooperation.
The engagement further underscores the importance of sustained diplomatic consultations in identifying shared priorities, strengthening mutual understanding and creating opportunities that benefit the people of both countries.
Sierra Leone’s participation in the CEN-SAD Executive Council Ministerial Meeting also demonstrates its commitment to regional initiatives aimed at promoting peace, stability, economic integration and sustainable development across Africa.
The meeting between Minister Swaray and Prime Minister Al-Dabaiba marks a significant diplomatic engagement, reaffirming both countries’ shared interest in stronger bilateral relations, regional cooperation and a peaceful and prosperous African continent.