Dhaka, Bangladesh, Thursday, 24 March 2022 - Sierra Leone’s non-resident High Commissioner to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has today presented his Letters of Credence to His Excellency Md. Abdul Hamid, Honorable President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh during a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

High Commissioner Rashid Sesay is also Sierra Leone’s resident Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

Sierra Leone and Bangladesh have longstanding bilateral relations dating back to decades. One of its notable contributions to Sierra Leone was the deployment of personnel, as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission to the West African state during its civil war that ended in 2002. Sierra Leone and Bangladesh are also members of a host of multilateral organizations including the Commonwealth.

During the ceremony, High Commissioner Sesay noted that: “I am happy to be here to contribute in strengthening the relations between our two countries. Sierra Leone and Bangladesh share a lot and we are immensely grateful for your contribution through peacekeeping mission in our country.”

On his part, President Hamid conveyed his best wishes to the Government and People of Sierra Leone, adding that they were pleased to had contributed to ending the decade-long civil war. 

Bangladesh is a South Asian nation bordering India and Myanmar with an estimated population of over 164 million. Globally, Bangladesh is renowned for its success in the agriculture and textile industries. It is ranked among the top global rice producing nations. 

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday 18 February, 2022 - Sierra Leone’s Ministers of Agriculture Forestry and Food Security and Fisheries and Marine Resources have met with the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, ICBA, in Dubai, where they spoke on the challenges and opportunities in Sierra Leone’s agriculture and fisheries sectors. 

Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Dr Abu Bakarr Karim, said that agriculture was an important component of Sierra Leone’s Human Capital Development Agenda with a focus on increased food production. He noted despite the agricultural sector amounting for over seventy percent of the country’s workforce, there were still challenges in terms of producing enough food for consumption and commercial purposes. 

He said that his ministry had undertaken key policy shifts to create a friendly environment that would encourage private sector investment, while also exploring the opportunities in research, technology and innovation in order to enhance value addition particularly during postharvest period to reduce the food insecurity gap. 

On her part, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Emma Kowa Jalloh said that they were meeting to learn and share experiences in order to improve the fisheries sector. She said they were challenged with protecting and conserving stocks for which her ministry was looking at investment in areas such as solar cold-rooms and icemaking machines to preserve the quality of marine products. She also mentioned the need for capacity building particularly for women in repackaging and fisheries management. 

Deputy Director General of ICBA, Dr Tarifa Ajeif Al Zaabi, said that they were focusing on providing solutions to food production to match the growing global population. She mentioned they were open for partnership to deliver agricultural and water scarcity solutions in marginal environments. Dr Al Zaabi also assured their willingness to partner with Sierra Leone through capacity building to achieve food and agricultural security. 

Also in the meeting was Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Rashid Sesay, who commended ICBA for its ongoing projects in Sierra Leone and expressed optimism for more collaboration in other priority areas. 

The visiting delegation also took a conducted tour of the ICBA facilities especially its aquarium site. ICBA is a UAE-based non-profit applied agricultural research center that works on sustainable livelihoods and food security in marginal environments. 

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New Delhi, India, Monday 13 December 2021 - Sierra Leone’s non-resident High Commissioner to the Republic of India has presented his Letters of Credence to the Honorable President of the Republic of India, Ram Nath Kovind during a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Presidential House in New Delhi.

Shortly after the presentation ceremony, High Commissioner Rashid Sesay held bilateral meeting with the Indian President where he conveyed warm greetings from President Dr Julius Maada Bio to his Indian counterpart. He said that the two countries had enjoyed relationship spanning over decades and expressed appreciation to the Government and People of India for its contributions to Sierra Leone particularly through the deployment of officers on peacekeeping mission during the country’s civil war.

High Commissioner Sesay noted that Sierra Leone acknowledged and welcomed the scholarship opportunities provided to its nationals by the Indian Government saying that was within President Bio’s Human Capital Agenda. He said the visit of the Indian Vice President to Sierra Leone in late 2019 had helped to bolster and strengthen the bonds of friendship and bilateral relations between the two nations adding that since the visit, there had been a lot of tangibles on both ends. He assured of Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening the ties.

The Sierra Leone Envoy also conveyed President Julius Maada Bio’s condolences to the People of India for the death of the Late Indian Chief of Defense Staff, General Bipin Rawat who was killed last week during an helicopter crash.

President Kovind recalled that in 2020, the Government of India opened a resident Mission in Sierra Leone as a show of their commitment to deepen ties with the West African state. He said India remained one of the key trade partners to Sierra Leone and added that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, trade between the two countries had grown. He said he was pleased that India had supported projects in Sierra Leone in several areas including education, power, water and agriculture.

“As you begin your journey as Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to India, I wish you all success towards strengthening India-Sierra Leone relations,” he ended.

Over the years, the South Asian country has provided a lot of assistance to Sierra Leone particularly in the fields of tertiary education, healthcare delivery and agriculture. It also played an important role through peacebuilding and the post-war reconstruction process in Sierra Leone. It could be remembered that in October 2019, the Honorable Vice President of India, Shri Venkaiah Naidu visited Sierra Leone and met with His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio, during which they discussed relations between the two countries and explored more avenues for deeper collaboration.

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New Delhi, India, Thursday 9 December 2021 - Sierra Leone’s non-resident High Commissioner designate to the Republic of India, Rashid Sesay has arrived in New Delhi, capital of India ahead of the presentation of his Credentials.

The High Commissioner designate, who resides in Abu Dhabi capital of the United Arab Emirates, will meet with and present his Letters of Credence to His Excellency Ram Nath Kovind, Honorable President of the Republic of India. 

On the edges of his Indian visit, High Commissioner designate Sesay will address a high-level business forum organized by the Indian Economic Trade Organization. During this session, which will bring together various economic actors in India, he is expected to discuss Sierra Leone’s investment climate as well as its enormous investment potentials. 

Over the years, the South Asian country has positioned itself as one of the global leaders in the fields of financial services, digital technology, agriculture, vocational training and education, health and infrastructure. India remains one of the major trade partners with Sierra Leone, with a lot of Indian nationals involved in economic activities in the country. 

The Sierra Leone Envoy has also been invited as a Guest Speaker on the Occasion of the United Nations Human Rights Day on the 10th December 2021. At this session, he is due to address a global audience on Sierra Leone’s post war democratic consolidation strides and President Julius Maada Bio’s stellar democratic credentials, particularly in the areas of access to justice, rule of law, freedom of information and of the press, gender empowerment and inclusive governance.

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday 26 October 2021 - The AsiaOne Magazine & URS Media International has today conferred the “Knight of Honour Award" for Excellence in Diplomacy on Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Rashid Sesay during the 15th Edition of Asia Africa Business & Social Forum: Awards & Business Summit at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai.

AsiaOne is an international media house and a pan-Asia Business & News magazine. They are pioneers and experts in research-based listing of brands & leaders in Asia, Africa and the GCC.

Reacting to the award, Ambassador Sesay said that he was proud and honored to have received the award in recognition of his work. He described Africa and Asia as partners in development, adding that there was a lot to be explored between the two continents. He also expressed willingness to engage partners in deeper levels in order to foster more areas of collaboration.

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday 30 September 2021 - First Lady, Madam Fatima Maada Bio has joined the United Arab Emirates leadership and participants from over 190 countries to officially open the Expo Dubai 2020 at the EXPO Village in Dubai.

During the event, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of the EXPO 2020 Dubai, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, said that during the EXPO event, the UAE would share with the world their experiences noting that through connecting minds, they had been able to achieve milestones that seemed impossible. He said the UAE had over the years focused its development on investing in human development, expanding infrastructure, economic diversification and creating opportunities for everyone to grow and prosper.

“Our mere presence here, amid all the challenges the world is facing, is a proof of the keen commitment to make the world a better place for all. By hosting EXPO, we aim to convey a message of tolerance and that we are willing to collaborate with the world,” he said. 

Secretary General of the Bureau International Des Expositions, His Excellency Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, said that with more than 190 countries participating, the world was coming together for the first time since the pandemic to connect, exchange and learn on the extraordinary global stage, adding that the event would provide a platform to showcase innovative and cutting-edge solutions to global challenges.

Reacting to the ceremony, Her Excellency Madam Fatima Maada Bio, who is leading Sierra Leone’s preparations for the EXPO, said that the show was an opportunity for her country to showcase its rich and diverse culture to the world. 

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Ajman, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday 17 August 2021 - Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, UAE, has called at the leadership of the Ajman Chamber to solicit support for Sierra Leone’s educational sector.

Ajman Chamber is a UAE-based entity which among other things, seeks to enhance close cooperation frameworks with institutions and international bodies, as well as exchange experiences in relation to economic, technical and administrative matters.

At the meeting in Ajman, northern part of the UAE, Ambassador Rashid Sesay discussed the recent Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two countries in the field of education and how that could further accelerate cooperation in the sector for the benefit of the two countries.

He noted education was the flagship program of Sierra Leone’s New Direction Government, adding that the Government was providing free quality education to all children which had led to increased access and enrollment in schools as well as quality output. 

He added despite the tremendous efforts, there were still challenges for which he was meeting to solicit support and discuss possible areas of collaboration. On higher education, Ambassador Sesay mentioned his country was having high-performing students who would be interested in scholarship opportunities and exchange programs. 

He also stated that Sierra Leone was open for business and would welcome investment in areas of mining, agriculture, fisheries and tourism. He said the untapped potentials in Sierra Leone were enormous and emphasized Government’s readiness to welcome investors. 

Vice Chairman of the Ajman Chamber, Hamad Rashid Al Nuaimi, said it was a positive move that Sierra Leone was putting education at the center of its development priorities. He spoke of the benefits education would bring to a nation, while assuring that they were willing to share experience to help the development of education in Sierra Leone. He said that they would facilitate visits for Ambassador Sesay to some of the Universities in the Emirate of Ajman to explore collaborative areas with Universities in Sierra Leone.

He also reiterated that with more collaboration, there were huge opportunities from which the two countries could benefit, particularly in terms of trade and technical cooperation. He assured of their determination to explore more opportunities to boost the trade level between the two countries in the years to come. 

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Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday 3 August 2021 - Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, UAE, has met with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization to discuss matters relating to the welfare of Sierra Leonean employees in the UAE.

During the meeting in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, Ambassador Rashid Sesay said he was thankful for the audience given to his team, noting that his meeting was geared towards addressing some of the challenges faced by Sierra Leonean workers in the UAE. He said that his office had done series of engagements with Sierra Leoneans living in the UAE and catalogued a host of labour related concerns gathered during that period.  

He also spoke of the need to develop a framework through a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, that would help to foster collaboration between the two countries on migration and other labour related issues. The Sierra Leone Envoy mentioned that they would be opened to the prospect of receiving experts from the UAE to train Sierra Leoneans in specialized areas.

Ambassador Sesay again used the occasion to provide an update on the current COVID-19 situation in the country, adding that since the ban on travelers from Sierra Leone to the UAE was announced, the West African state had made significant gains to control the spread of the virus and minimize its impacts. He therefore encouraged the UAE authorities to consider the possibility of lifting the suspension. 

Undersecretary of International Relations at the Human Resources Ministry, His Excellency Abdalla Al Nuaiuni, said that their work was to manage bilateral relations, build bridges between countries and recruitment agencies and to facilitate recruitment processes taking into consideration the welfare of all nationals in the country. He said that notwithstanding the pandemic, the UAE had seen a growth of Sierra Leonean migrants. 

He said that they would be willing to resolve concerns emerging from Embassies, while stating their readiness to work with the Sierra Leone Mission to harmonize labour issues and seek the welfare of workers. He also assured of their commitment to work on a MoU that would open the official channels for collaboration between the two friendly countries.  

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Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday 7 July 2021 - Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, UAE, Rashid Sesay has met with the Sierra Leonean Community in Umm Al Quwain, in continuation of his engagement tour of the UAE. 

Umm Al Quwain is one of seven Emirates of the UAE and sits on the North of the country with a considerable number of Sierra Leoneans, mostly working in the manufacturing and hospitality sectors.

Delivering his address, the Sierra Leone Envoy said that the dialogue session was part of his drive to meet with Sierra Leoneans living in all seven Emirates of the UAE to discuss their challenges, explain the role of the Embassy and provide them with the necessary information that would guide their stay in the Gulf state. 

He said that it was the responsibility of the Embassy to serve the interest of all Sierra Leoneans and assured that they were committed to extending an helping hand to everyone on issues within their mandate and the laws of the host country. 

Ambassador Sesay also spoke on several emerging issues of concern including visa acquisition and its various categories, overstaying, passport expiration and the recent suspension from the UAE authorities on travelers from Sierra Leone. He also encouraged Sierra Leoneans to stay away from crimes and be law abiding, emphasizing that their conducts would reflect on the image of the country. 

Speaker after speaker commended the Ambassador and team for making time to meet with them while expressing the need for continuous engagement.

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Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday 29 June 2021 - Sierra Leone’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr Francis Kaikai, has told the Annual Investment Meeting organised by the United Arab Emirates, UAE, that Sierra Leone is an enabling environment and a reliable destination for investment.

With the theme “Africa Unlocked: Innovation and Sustainability as Drivers of Economic Growth”, the two-day virtual conference seeks to explore the developmental potential of the African continent and highlight its huge opportunities that can serve as key sources of economic progress, not only for this region, but for the world.

In his opening statement, His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Cabinet Member and Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE, said he was honoured to speak at the event to discuss economic progress between the UAE and Africa and to explore ways of further advancing economic relations with their African partners. He expressed hope that the partnership would strengthen cooperation between public and private sectors and generate new avenues of collaboration.

He mentioned their aim was to achieve progress and cooperation with their African brothers and sisters with a vision of fostering prosperity and creating opportunities for future generations. He added renewable energy and food security were key pillars in which the UAE was committed to partnering with African nations to achieve sustainable development and promote the welfare of their people.

Minister Kaikai said that Sierra Leone under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio was enthusiastic about investment opportunities around the world and very desirous to ensure Sierra Leone benefitted from the global market of foreign direct investment. He noted the country was a member of regional and sub-regional organisations which offered opportunity as an emerging market for modern and digital technology adding that that was an advantage for potential investors.

He said that Sierra Leone had developed friendly investment policy actions that included the setting up of an Investment Board in the Office of the President to fast-track and unblock bottlenecks and more importantly to give investors the highest political leadership support, the reviewing of its Anti-Corruption laws to make them responsive to investment and the reforming of the justice sector with specialized divisions-fast-track commercial courts to address commercial disputes more efficiently.

“Government of Sierra Leone is grateful to the UAE for our participation in this Annual Investment Meeting. I will therefore on behalf of His Excellency the President use this opportunity to welcome potential investment partners to consider Sierra Leone as your immediate destination. The Government assures you all of an enabling environment, reasonable returns for your shareholders but over and above all protection of your investment,” he ended.

Sheku Lexmond Koroma, Chief Executive Officer of the Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency, also made a presentation on the huge potentials in Sierra Leone noting that the country was peaceful, stable and ready for business.

The event attracted participants from 81 countries including government ministers, and other top public officials. It captured six key pillars: Foreign Direct Investment, Small & Medium Enterprises, Future Cities, Start-ups, Foreign Portfolio Investment and One Belt, One Road to offer different dynamic activities that will provide numerous benefits to various sectors.

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Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday 15 June 2021 - The Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, UAE, has arrived in Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone ahead of a two-day visit; as part of continued efforts to deepen cooperation between the two countries.

His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed, who doubles as the first son of the President of the UAE, is leading a 17-man delegation which arrived on Tuesday, 15th June 2021. During the visit, he is expected to meet with His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone to discuss further ways of strengthening relations as well as exploring investment opportunities between the two friendly nations. 

Upon arrival at the Lungi International Airport, Dr Sheikh Sultan was received by Honorable Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Juldeh, Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. On the margins of the visit, the UAE Envoy will meet with some Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies in a bid to foster collaboration. He is expected to depart Freetown on Thursday, 17th June 2021.

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay said: “Sheikh Sultan is a widely respected figure in the UAE and the Middle East. I am particularly excited about the visit because it will undoubtedly open more doors for foreign direct investments into our country which is a core vision of His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio”. 

Dr. Sheikh Sultan is a double PhD holder from the University of Limerick, Republic of Ireland and the Nasser Higher Military Academy, Egypt in 1998 and 1999 respectively. He has served in various high-ranking positions including Honorary Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Honorary Chairman of the International Marine Sports Federation for the Middle East and Asia, President of Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club. His Highness was also a former member of the Executive Council for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

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Email: massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday 4 May 2021 - The Government of the United Arab Emirates, UAE, has donated 50 tons of assorted food items to Sierra Leone, as humanitarian assistance to the West-African state during the Holy month of Ramadan. 

Reacting to the gesture, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay, thanked the UAE leadership for the goodwill and their continuous support to his country noting that that was a testament to the tremendous progress made over the years to strengthen the friendly relationship between Sierra Leone and the UAE.

The donated items; which included rice, cooking vegetable oil, flour among others; will depart Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, today Tuesday 4th May via a special Etihad Cargo flight and is expected to arrive in Lungi International Airport tomorrow Wednesday 5th May. 

It is worth noting that the UAE has been a supportive partner to the Government and people of Sierra Leone, especially in the areas of education, healthcare delivery and agriculture. 

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Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
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email: massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Monday 22 March 2021 - Sierra Leone's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, UAE, Rashid Sesay, has met with the leadership of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, ICBA in Dubai, where he called for more support to Sierra Leone's agricultural sector.

ICBA is an UAE based international nonprofit agricultural research centre that is currently working on a four-year project in Sierra Leone to increase agricultural productivity and incomes of households in salinity-affected communities. 

The project also aimed to increase salt tolerant crops and associated best management practices, develop value chains for introduced cropping systems and build capacity of farmers and extension workers in salinity-resilient and climate smart agriculture. 

ICBA Acting Director General, Dr Tarifa Ajeif Al Zaabi, maintained that Sierra Leone was one of their countries of operations where they were working towards creating an impact in local communities while keeping an eye on capacity building and research with community members. She noted that the visit was timely because it allowed further engagement on more areas of collaboration. 

She added their vision was to provide sustainable livelihoods and food security in marginal environments through advancing sustainable food, feed and biofuel agri-technologies, promoting sustainable management of natural resources, enhancing agricultural value chains and providing climate change solutions. 

On his part, Ambassador Sesay said that he had shown so much passion for the work done by the ICBA for which his team was visiting to discuss their work in Sierra Leone and to explore other opportunities with a view to address the challenges faced by small scale farmers, as part of government’s commitment to improve the country’s agricultural sector. 

He mentioned Sierra Leone had established a National Seed Certification Agency that worked closely with farmers to ensure the provision of improved variety of seeds to improve on food productivity. He also encouraged ICBA to provide more assistance to his country particularly for women and youth involved in agriculture. 

ICBA operates a modern research facility with a team of international scientists conducting applied research and development to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability in marginal and saline environments. 

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Photo Credit: ICBA Dubai

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, UAE, Rashid Sesay, has told a gathering in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, that Sierra Leone was a perfect destination for investment with huge potentials in tourism. 

Speaking as the Grand Chief Patron at the Reflective Arts Gallery Exhibition in honor of the birthday of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the Sierra Leone Envoy said that his government was using tourism and arts as a means of tapping into the potentials of youth, creating jobs and marketing its historical and cultural values to the world.

“Sierra Leone is blessed with wonderful beaches, historic and touristic sites for visitation and hospitable people ready to receive tourists from around the world. Our country is stable and peaceful to visit at anytime with a government that is very serious about creating the right environment for investment,” he noted. 

Dr Nada Al Ameri, Founder of the Reflections Arts Gallery, said it was their honor to host Ambassador Sesay in recognition of the work of their Leader, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. She mentioned that they were ready to visit Sierra Leone to explore the tourism prospects and to collaborate with their counterparts in areas of shared interests.

"Your presence makes the difference with a special print to our upcoming projects in humanity to make strong bond between the Emirati and the Sierra Leonean cultures in strengthening cooperation with associations in arts education and many fields," the creative visual arts designer said.

The Center is a creative hub established in 2017 to among other things, offer a range of arts programs, provide arts therapy tuition and organize interactive arts related events both locally and internationally.

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 Email: massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Thursday 4 February 2021 - Authorities in the United Arab Emirates, UAE, have confirmed the construction of 100 beds field hospital in Sierra Leone to support the country's COVID-19 response. 

In an official communication sent to the Sierra Leone Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the UAE authorities said: “The UAE will establish the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Field Hospital to reinforce and compliment the efforts of the Government of Sierra Leone to confront the pandemic. This hospital is expected to contain 100 beds to treat people with COVID-19 in Sierra Leone.”

Responding to the latest development, Sierra Leone's Minister of Defence and National Coordinator of the COVID-19 Response, Brigadier (Rtd.) Kellie Hassan Conteh, said that they were excited about the gesture from the UAE Government. He noted they were looking forward to receiving the construction team and ensuring the successful implementation of the project. 

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay, stated that the gesture was as a result of the brotherly relationship between His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

The 100 beds facility, which would be constructed in Port Loko district, North-West Sierra Leone, would help the country’s COVID-19 response and also boost its healthcare service delivery. The hospital is expected to be completed in early April this year.

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday 20 January 2021 - Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, UAE, Rashid Sesay has joined colleague diplomats, business leaders and many others in the UAE on the Terra - Sustainability Pavilion Premier, one of the thematic pavilions of the Expo 2020 in Dubai.

The showcase event was an initiative to preview the thematic pavilions and help preparations, as part of readiness for the start of the Expo 2020 in Dubai.

Marjan Faraidooni, Chief Experience Officer of Expo 2020 Dubai, said “Expo 2020 aims to be one of the most sustainable World Expos in history and supports efforts as a champion of green development, so it is fitting that our first visitors will enjoy a preview of the Sustainability Pavilion – an interactive and personal experience that will highlight the urgency of addressing some of the world’s greatest environmental challenges.”

Scheduled for October 1st 2021 to March 31st 2022, the Expo Dubai 2020 is a unique global platform to attract investments, forge agreements and promote international cooperations, especially in social, cultural, science and technology.

Sierra Leone would be among hundreds of other participating nations and this platform would help Sierra Leone to present and attract potential investment areas in the country, especially in tourism, agriculture, mining and energy.

For More Enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attachè, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
email: massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday 18 November 2020 Sierra Leone's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, UAE, Rashid Sesay, has met with the Chairman of Department of the Sharjah Charity International,  

Saqr Bin Mohd. Bin Khalid Al Qassimi, to discuss development opportunities for Sierra Leone. 

Sharjah Charity International was established in 1989 and aims to promote a culture of care and sponsorship for those who are entitled to it and increase community awareness. Since its establishment, it  has supported 110 countries around the world, and nearly 6,000 families with low incomes and poor citizens of the state and residents.

Ambassador Sesay said that Sierra Leone was very interested in working with partners to transform the small West-African nation. He said that the government was working very hard to improving the lives of its citizens, for which, he noted they were looking forward to working with them. 

He stated that the government was investing hugely on human capital development through the provision of free quality education for every child and requested more supports, especially in the construction of schools and other learning facilities. 

Ambassador Sesay, among other things, also spoke of the need for support in improving healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas adding that that was a huge challenge in Sierra Leone. He pleaded for support in that area through constructing and equipping medical centres in rural communities. 

"We look forward to assistance in the areas of water and sanitation and skills training and development programmes for underprivileged women, mostly in remote communities," he said.

Chairman, Saqr Bin Mohd. Bin Khalid Qassimi, said that they were focused on investing in developmental projects that would directly benefit communities. He said that they were looking forward to working with Sierra Leone and assured of their support to the country's development agenda.

Ambassador Sesay also paid a working visit to the Amity University in Dubai, where he discussed possibilities of having exchange programmes with Sierra Leonean Universities as well as establishing a campus in Sierra Leone. 

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Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attachè, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
email: massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday 12 November 2020 - Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, UAE, Rashid Sesay has engaged members of the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, DFWAC, on issues surrounding tackling human trafficking and domestic violence. 

Established in 2007,  DFWAC, offers immediate protection and support services for women and children in the UAE against domestic violence, child abuse and human trafficking. It is the first licensed non-profit shelter in the UAE that runs specifically for the care of women and children.

Ambassador Sesay thanked the leadership of DFWAC for hosting his delegation and for their relentless efforts in tackling human trafficking and domestic violence, noting that that aligned with the vision of the Government of Sierra Leone as espoused in the New Direction Manifesto and the Medium Term National Development Plan.

He said that the Government of Sierra Leone had placed emphasis on the role of women and children in its development process and highlighted major strides already taken by the Government in combatting rape, sexual violence and all forms of domestic violence ranging from the declaration of a State of Emergency on Rape and Sexual Violence, amendment of the Sexual Offences Act, the establishment of a Special Court for Rape cases and the establishment of One-Stop Centres. 

“Our Government takes issues of human trafficking very serious and over the years we have made significant gains in reducing its impact on our country. The DFWAC is doing so much to close the gap on human trafficking and we are committed to collaborate with you and to tap into your enormous experience. We also look forward to receiving support for our women who are being misled hence becoming victims of trafficking,” he said. 

DFWAC Care and Social Services Director, Ghanima Hassan Al Bahri, said that the UAE was a committed and responsible member of the international community that had been proactive in the global fight to combat human trafficking. She noted  their mission, among other things, was geared towards provision of housing and rehabilitation services to women and children victims of violence and strengthening local and international partnerships. 

For More Enquiries:
Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi
Information Attachè, United Arab Emirates
+971 50 2089695
email: massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Sierra Leone Embassy in the United Arab Emirates, UAE, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration, IOM, is facilitating the voluntary repatriation of 58 Sierra Leoneans from the UAE to Sierra Leone.

These 58 Sierra Leoneans had expressed desire to be taken back to Sierra Leone, especially because of loss of jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first batch of 17 would depart Dubai International Airport today, Sunday 27 September, via Accra’s Kotoka International Airport en route to Freetown International Airport in Lungi, Sierra Leone. The remaining set of returnees would also arrive in Sierra Leone at various scheduled dates.

In his reaction, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay, said that the 58 Sierra Leoneans had approached the Embassy to ensure their repatriation back home. He said that each of them were interviewed, issued consent forms which they voluntarily signed demonstrating their willingness to return home in line with IOM regulations.

This move is a major milestone demonstrative of the New Direction’s desire to cater for everyone and to uphold the dignity of every Sierra Leonean irrespective of their status.

For More Enquiries:
Mohamed L. Massaquoi
Information Attaché Designate to the UAE
+232 88 269282

Lungi International Airport, Port Loko District, Monday 11 May 2020 -

Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has received seven metric tons of anti-coronavirus medical supplies donated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the UAE to His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio.

The two leaders, who enjoy a great fraternal relationship, last week held a virtual meeting to discuss the consignment.

Receiving the items on behalf of the President, the Vice President commended the Crown Prince for the gesture, saying that that was demonstrative of the strong bilateral ties between the two countries. 

He said that the donation was a fruit of the President's numerous engagements in building strategic partnerships around the world. He also said that President Bio had shown leadership in the fight against the COVID-19, noting that the medical items would help bolster the capacity of government in the fight against the virus.

In his reaction, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay, who could not witness the handing over ceremony due to COVID-19 traveling protocols said, “We are thankful to His Highness the Crown Prince and the People of UAE for this gesture at such a difficult period. We hope to further foster relations with the UAE for the benefit of our two nations.”

For More Enquiries
State House Media and Communications Unit
+23276758764/+23288269282
info@statehouse.gov.sl

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Sunday 9 February 2020 - Sierra Leone Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, UAE, Rashid Sesay has today joined leaders of the UAE to receive armed forces who had been on deployment in Yemen.

The UAE leaders gathered in Zayed Military City for a presentation cataloguing the country's achievements during its five-year involvement in the Arab Coalition's efforts to restore the legitimate and internationally recognized government in Yemen.

Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, described the galant servicemen as faithful falcons, who sacrificed and raised their heads with pride adding that they were proud of them, their family and work.

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, assured that the UAE would remain a bridge to peace and stability, supporting the region's progress of hope for a better life and a better tomorrow. 

In his reaction, Ambassador Sesay said: "On behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, I congratulate the UAE for being a beacon of global peace and security."

Ahead of the first year anniversary of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, State House Media and Communications Unit will be showing short videos of Ministers and Heads of Agencies/Parastals to showcase the first year achievements in Government.

Below is the trailer featuring Honourable Vice President Dr. Juldeh Jalloh, Minister of Finance, Hon. Jacob Jusu Saffa and other government officials.

ABU DHABI, 23rd February, 2019 (WAM) - The Emirates Red Crescent, ERC, has launched a number of development projects in the Republic of Sierra Leone, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the follow-up of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and the ERC Chairman.

The projects included the provision of water resources in water-scarce areas, where the project provides 60 percent of the needs of these areas with clean water. It also includes the construction of houses for underprivileged families, as well as schools, clinics, mosques, and other service projects aimed at improving the lives of the population.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the ERC delegation comprising Fahad Abdelrahman bin Sultan, ERC's Deputy Secretary-General for International Aid and Cooperation, and others, Dr. Jonathan Bonopha Tengbe, Minister of Water Resources in Sierra Leone, Rashid Sesay, Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the UAE, along with a number of officials.

Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, Secretary-General of the ERC, said that the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed were a part of the initiatives undertaken by the leadership to develop and reconstruct areas that suffer from vital development.

Dr. Al Falahi said that Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed is constantly monitoring the progress of all the projects implemented by the ERC needed by brotherly and friendly countries.

He added that the authority has completed these projects in record time to achieve the vision of the country's leadership and to meet the needs of Sierra Leone’s citizens to alleviate their suffering.

The beneficiaries expressed their appreciation to the UAE for their ongoing efforts in carrying out several development projects, especially in relation to water projects and other services.

Meanwhile, Vice President of Sierra Leone, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, received the ERC delegation in the presence of Jonathan Tengbe, where they discussed the impact of humanitarian projects undertaken by the ERC on the local community and the other projects they will implement in the future.

The Sierra Leone Vice President thanked the ERC for its sincere efforts to meet the humanitarian and development needs of the people. He affirmed his country's readiness to remove obstacles facing the ERC’s humanitarian work.

Tengbe expressed his thanks to the ERC for its significant humanitarian efforts and also commended the UAE.

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the Mayor of Freetown, also welcomed the ERC delegation.

WAM/Rola Alghoul/Tariq alfaham

http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302741958

State House, Freetown, Tuesday 5 February 2019 - His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, has met at State House with the Chairman of the Africa Middle-East Asia, AMEA Power, Hussain J. AINowais, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE.

AMEA Power is an energy producing company that develops, owns, and operates thermal and renewable power projects in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The company offers a wide range of power solutions that meet the needs of the emerging markets they cater to, including conventional (Gas, Coal and Oil) and Renewable (Solar PV and CSP, Wind, Hydro and Hybrid) power plants.

Sierra Leone Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay, recalled that during his courtesy call on the Dean of the Diplomatic Corp in the UAE, he spoke about the challenges of the energy sector in Sierra Leone, adding that that meeting led to his meeting with Chairman AINowais, who according to him, was one of the biggest players in the renewable energy sector in the UAE.

In his presentation, Chairman AINowais said they were very interested in investing in Sierra Leone’s energy sector. He said energy was the driving growth of any economy, adding that without energy it was difficult to grow an economy. He noted that they were now looking at investing in different African countries, having already undertaken a lot of investments in the Middle East.

“We are looking at Sierra Leone as a place for investment and I am here to explore the investment opportunities in the energy sector. We realized Sierra Leone has the potential and the need for growing its economy by investing in energy. The project will benefit Sierra Leone by generating power and expanding its base, helping to grow the economy and will also provide comfort to Sierra Leoneans,” he said. 

Minister of Energy, Alhaji Kanja Sesay, said that during his visit to the UAE, he had the opportunity of meeting the Chairman who was keen on energy provision around the world. He disclosed that they both spoke about the general energy situation in Sierra Leone with particular reference to the Western Area Generation Project, which the new government inherited, but was facing challenges after the World Bank, being one of the key players, withdrew from the project.

“During our discussions Chairman AINowais got to know about the project and has expressed interest in looking at it again, so we agreed that he should visit Sierra Leone and that is why he is here with his team with whom we have done preliminary discussions at the Ministry. His team is now working with my technical team to see how we are going to progress from here,” he said.

In his response, President Bio said that energy was an important backbone for any economy and that the country could not embark on development, which was in dire need, without reliable power supply, adding that his government would welcome any project, be it government or private partnership, that would work towards creating a very reliable power supply in the country.

He mentioned that at the moment quite a huge part of the country was without energy supply but that government had been able to stabilise supply within the city, saying that the shortage of energy in the country was a longstanding problem which his government was determined to address by providing reliable energy supply.

“From what I have heard, you have shown interest and we are also interested. So, whatever we can do to support the ambition and mutual interest, we can work together and make sure we provide energy to our people. We are also ready to do anything to create a situation where the tariff can go down for our people so it is cheaper, cleaner and sustainable,” he said.

For More Enquiries:

State House Media and Communications Unit

+232 76 758764 / +232 88 269282

The new Sierra Leonean Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Excellency Rashid Sesay has on Monday, November 19th, presented his letters of credence to His Highness the Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, during a brief ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi.

During his presentation, Ambassador Sesay said that Sierra Leone and the United Arab Emirates have enjoyed a fruitful relationship over the years, adding his assignment in the UAE was in line with President Bio’s committment to further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries. He noted, a lot of Sierra Leoneans visit the UAE in pursuit of business opportunities and expressed optimism for future exchange visits between the two countries to further deepen the ties.

Ambassador Sesay also disclosed that since his election as President of Sierra Leone, President Julius Maada Bio was facing a lot of challenges especially because of the poor state of economy he inherited, adding the President was working tirelessly to fulfilling his campaign promises. He informed the UAE authorities about the pending visit of Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Alie Kabba to the country in a bid to finalize and possibly sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Visa Waiver.

Also in attendance at the ceremony included Sierra Leonean staff in the UAE Embassy and the German Ambassador to the UAE who expressed optimism for more benefits to be derived from cooperation through the diversification of global economy.

By: Mohamed Massaquoi

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Alie Kabba has during a working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a visa waiver agreement that would give free entry into the UAE to Sierra Leonean holders of service and diplomatic passports.

The signing ceremony, which took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Abu Dhabi, came after lots of engagements between the Government of Sierra Leone and its UAE counterpart.

Sierra Leone Ambassador to the UAE, Rashid Sesay who also witnessed the signing ceremony, said the agreement was in line with efforts by the two countries to further strengthen their diplomatic ties.

He added: “We are very happy  for this move as it signifies the tremendous progress we have made in deepening our relationship with the UAE,” he ended.