In a significant step towards solidifying bilateral relations, Sweden inaugurated a Consulate in western Freetown, Sierra Leone, during a brief ceremony on Tuesday. The event marks a pivotal moment in the evolving partnership between the two nations, as highlighted by Sierra Leone’s Foreign Ministry Director General Ambassador Victoria Sulimani, who described it as “a direct testament to the excellent bilateral relations that have evolved over the past years.”
Harish Agnani, appointed as Sweden’s Honorary Consul, will now serve a dual role as consul for both Sweden and Norway. Both consulates will operate from the same building located at Rawdon Street, Central Freetown. Agnani expressed gratitude to Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister and the Swedish Ambassador to Sierra Leone and Liberia, Urban Sjostrom, for their pivotal roles and support in entrusting him with this responsibility.
Agnani emphasized the shared goals between Sweden and Sierra Leone, promising to uphold and promote the values and interests defining their relationship. He affirmed his dedication to fostering mutual objectives and ensuring collaborations marked by success and lasting friendship.
Ambassador Sjostrom hailed the opening of the Swedish Honorary Consulate as evidence of the longstanding relations between the two nations. He expressed hope in the implementation of Sierra Leone’s agreement of national unity, urging strategic cooperation with development partners, the business sector, civil society, and academia to overcome challenges and seize opportunities for prosperity.
Ambassador Sulimani highlighted the historical support from Sweden, dating back to the 1980s when Sweden initiated in-country cooperation focusing on social protection policies, empowerment of women, girls, and human capital development. She recounted Sweden’s impactful contributions to Sierra Leone’s education and health sectors, including facilitating the return of half a million children to school in 2002 and 2005.
The establishment of the Swedish Consulate in Freetown represents a high point in bilateral relations, poised to catalyze further strengthening and deepening of ties to the mutual benefit of both nations.