Deputy Mines Minister participates in Mineral Summit in Dubai

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 15 May 2024 - Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Umaru Napoleon Koroma is leading Sierra Leone’s delegation at this year’s Kimberley Processing Intercession Meeting in Dubai to discuss transformations undertaken by government to improve the mining sector.

Deputy Minister Koroma said that Sierra Leone would use the various engagements to lend its voice to topical issues and other key areas of reform needed for the Kimberley process, noting that Sierra Leone was already playing major role in the event as a member of the panel for the benefit of diamond mining communities, together with representatives from DRC, Russia, South Africa, and other industry players. The Deputy Minister had also co-chaired, alongside the Minister of Mines from Zimbabwe, a meeting of African Diamond Producing Countries (ADPA).

“The Kimberley Certification Process was established in 2002. Since then, the process has worked effectively, helping Africa diamond-producing countries to realise the benefit of diamonds produced in their countries by charging taxes on the exports. The Kimberley Process has 85 countries as members,” he said.

Deputy Minister Koroma also paid a courtesy visit on the Sierra Leone Embassy in the UAE, where he commended the Ambassador and staff for promoting Sierra Leone’s interest in the Gulf-state. He noted that over the years, there had been significant investment interests from the UAE to Sierra Leone adding that that was a testament of the Mission’s hard work. He encouraged everyone to continue in that direction to support President Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five Agenda.

Ambassador of Sierra Leone to the UAE, Rashid Sesay welcomed Mr. Koroma saying that as an Embassy, they were excited to host him. He also used the occasion to provide updates on the work of the Mission, especially on the relations between Sierra Leone and the UAE, ongoing developments between the two countries and the welfare of Sierra Leoneans living in the country.

Ambassador Sesay conveyed his appreciation to President Bio for his support to the Mission and his development initiatives in Sierra Leone, while commending Mr. Koroma for his service to the country in different capacities. The Sierra Leone Envoy also discussed his new role as Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors in the UAE, noting that that feat had helped to elevate Sierra Leone’s status in the UAE.

“I have no doubt that issues being discussed in this mining meeting are very pertinent to Sierra Leone as a country that has a lot to offer in the mining sector. I trust in your capability that you will make meaningful contributions that will influence the key outcomes that you will take back home to transform the mining sector in the interest of our country,” he ended.

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United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State Sheikh Shakhbout Meets Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio, Expresses Delight in Positive Bilateral Relationships

State House, Freetown, Thursday 4 April 2024 – His Excellency Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan and his delegation have paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio as a follow-up to the many meetings and technical engagements they hope will have positive outcomes.

His Excellency Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, while convening felicitation for and on behalf of the government and people of the United Arab Emirates, said, “His Excellency, I bring warm greetings from His Excellency Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahya, President of the United Arab Emirates, to you, your government and the people of Sierra Leone”.

The Minister of State reminded the President that their visit to the country Sierra Leone resulted from the multiple bilateral engagements President Bio had had with the President of the UAE, His Excellency Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahya with ministers of the two countries.

He said those engagements had produced positive outcomes that had also led to their state visit.

His Excellency Sheikh Shakhbout also conveyed that the government of the UAE was eager to see the growth of the bilateral relationship between the two countries while also expressing his admiration for the generosity of President Bio and confirming that there was a lot from which the UAE and Sierra Leone could benefit from the principles of a win-win solution.

President Julius Maada Bio congratulated and welcomed the UAE delegation to Sierra Leone, extending his warm felicitations to them on behalf of the government and people of Sierra Leone.

He also extended special thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahya, President of the UAE, for his high consideration in sending a team on a state visit and a follow-up to their bilateral engagements.

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UAE and Sierra Leone Presidents Discuss Bilateral Relations

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday 26 February 2024 - President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates today met with His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, to discuss ties between their two countries and ways to enhance them further.

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Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi

Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates

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massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Trade Minister reaffirms Sierra Leone’s commitment to inclusive and equitable trade

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Monday 26 February 2024 - Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Sesay has told the ongoing 13th session of the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates that Sierra Leone is committed to the principles of multilateralism, inclusivity and equitable trade.

The Trade Minister said that the gathering was taking place at a time of significant challenges in the world, including climate change, geopolitical tensions and rapid technological changes, noting that Sierra Leone was standing ready to contribute constructively to the discussions and decisions that would shape the future of international trade. He added that as a developing nation, Sierra Leone recognized the transformative power of trade in fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and alleviating poverty.

“However, we also acknowledge the challenges and disparities that persist, particularly for the least developed and fragile states. In this regard, Sierra Leone emphasizes the importance of addressing the needs and concerns of vulnerable economies within the WTO framework. We advocate for measures that promote the integration of these states into the global trading system, ensuring that no nation is left behind.

“Our efforts must speak to new strategy that is guided by a new paradigm and reform agenda that places inclusivity at the centre. It must be geared towards a future of equitable and shared growth and development consistent with the overdue sustainable development goals (SDGs). Of key importance, such a reform should promote diversification of productive capacities of developing countries, propel transformation into higher productivity sectors, and ensure resilience to future shocks,” he urged the gathering.

Earlier on, the Director General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala thanked the United Arab Emirates for their excellent preparations leading to the Conference and expressed optimism that the four-day event would yield meaningful results. She also welcomed Comoros and Timor-Leste as new members into the World Trade Organization taking the organization’s membership to 166.

For more enquiries:

Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi

Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates

+971 50 2089695

massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Dr. Sengeh meets Serbian Prime Minister, discusses partnership in technology and innovation

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday 13 February 2024 - Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr David Moinina Sengeh has met with H.E Ana Brnabić, Prime Minister, Government of the Republic of Serbia on the margins of the World Governments Summit, where they both discussed possible ways of partnership in technology and innovation.

The Chief Minister said that Serbia was a testament of a small nation that had done extremely well in its development process by becoming a leading hub for technological advancement. He also spoke about Sierra Leone’s ‘Big Five’ agenda, noting that President Bio was committed to having the right partnerships in moving the government’s agenda.

“Our two countries have great layers of collaboration, particularly in using technology as a major tool for development. Your journey has been remarkable and we want to learn from it. We want to strengthen partnership especially in the education sector through scholarships, and exchange programmes. We have great layers of collaboration and interest. We have the ‘Big Five’ agenda now in Sierra Leone and we believe that this will serve as a catalyst for sustainable development and growth in our country,” he said.

The Serbian Prime Minister said that she had heard a lot about Dr Sengeh and his impressive work and expressed eagerness to explore opportunities for collaboration between the two countries in education, economy, agriculture, and other areas. She also spoke about the Serbian European Center for Excellence in digital agriculture and assured that they would be ready to support Sierra Leone to get the biggest return in its agricultural drive. Prime Minister Brnabić also invited Dr Sengeh to Serbia for high level discussions on how to further deepen cooperation.

Later on, Dr Sengeh met with former United Kingdom Prime Minister, Tony Blair, where they also discussed development initiatives in Sierra Leone.

For more enquiries:

Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi

Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates

+971 50 2089695

massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Dr. Sengeh speaks on Sierra Leone’s Digital Transformation Initiatives

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday 13 February 2024 - Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr David Moinina Sengeh, has told the ‘Government Services Forum’ at the World Government Summit in Dubai that Sierra Leone is using technology and innovation for public service delivery and to improve the lives of citizens.

Dr. Sengeh mentioned that Sierra Leone had built digital solutions like a USSD dictionary to compliment books and deployed an SMS result checker that had been used close to five million times across the country, while adding that mobile connectivity had also been expanded to cover nearly 90% of the population. He said that they had also developed a mobile artificial intelligence Chat GPT to help teachers deliver better content to students.

The former Basic Education Minister noted that Sierra Leone’s digital experience showed that when deployed appropriately, technology was not only a catalyst to transform service delivery but also a public good and great leveler for development, adding that the introduction of the SMS result checker had helped parents and pupils check their examination results for free and instantaneously no matter their location.

“During COVID-19 school closures, we used the hybrid technologies to ensure our children did not fall further behind even as we were among the first set of countries to re-open schools safely. We know that to compete globally, we must use digitalization as a core enabler for national development,” he said.

The Chief Minister furthered that as part of President Bio’s digital transformation, Sierra Leone had introduced technology in revenue mobilization to reduce corruption and bureaucracies or register businesses and corporate services to make public services more efficient and reasonable for all.

“The Ministry of Agriculture is already digitalizing agricultural services, offering farmers access to critical information, market data, weather forecasts, and best agricultural practices directly to their phones. We believe that this will empower farmers to make informed decisions, enhance productivity and promote sustainable agricultural practices that will enable us to ultimately feed Sierra Leone,” he noted.

Other notable speakers at the event included H.E Ana Brnabić, Prime Minister, Government of the Republic of Serbia and H.E Mohamed Bin Taliah, Chief of the UAE Government Services.

For more enquiries:

Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi

Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates

+971 50 2089695

massaquoi@slembassyuae.com

Chief Minister markets President Bio’s ‘Big Five’ Agenda in Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Monday 12 February 2024 - Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina Sengeh has delivered a keynote address at the ongoing World Governments Summit in Dubai, highlighting President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s ‘Big Five’ Agenda.

Dr Sengeh said that Sierra Leone was one of the leading global spenders in education which had significantly increased school enrollment, improved learning outcomes and provided opportunities for all including girls and children with disabilities. He affirmed government’s commitment to improve on the gains made in education as a sustainable foundation for growth and development.

He also noted that as part of President Bio’s Human Capital Development drive, the government had launched the ‘Feed Salone’ initiative to improve local food production, expand on food value chains, provide jobs for women and youth especially those in rural areas and support overall economic growth.

“We have created a platform through radical inclusion so everybody can show up and contribute to national development. 70% of our population is youthful so we have to ensure that people are learning the right skills to get jobs so that they can add value to the economy. We cannot do that if the public sector is not reformed. So, we have the public sector reform to ensure that what we do can go all the way to benefit the people in a just and equitable way. The final piece is innovation and infrastructure, so that is why it is really wonderful that this is the theme of the summit,”

“We are thinking bigger so we have a seven-year Medium National Development Plan which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. President Bio has set a real standard for leadership by appointing women and young people in critical and flagship portfolios. It is important that we can have women and young people take up important portfolios,” he said.

Earlier today, Dr. Sengeh also met with H.E. Mohamed Bin Taliah, Chief of the UAE Government Services, where they both explored several collaborative and transformative ways of improving public service delivery.

For more enquiries:

Mohamed Lamin Massaquoi

Information Attaché, United Arab Emirates

+971 50 2089695

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HE President Julius Maada Bio :ONE YEAR TRAILER

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

Sierra Leone Embassy in the UAE facilitates Repatriation of 58 Sierra Leoneans in the UAE

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.

Travel Advisory at/from the Freetown International Airport

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Ambassador Rashid Sesay joins UAE Leaders to welcome Armed Forces from Yemen

H.E. Ambassador Rashid Sesay wishes Eid Mubarak

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.”

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Sierra Leone’s Vice President Receives Donated Anti-Coronavirus Medical Supplies from Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Ambassador and Staff of the Embassy Congratulate the People of Sierra Leone on this 59th Independence Anniversary

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."

President Bio Meets Chairman of AMEA Power from United Arab Emirates

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.

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H.E. Rashid Sesay, New Sierra Leonean Ambassador Presents Letters of Credence to Vice President of UAE

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

MoFAIC Under-Secretary receives credentials of Sierra Leone Ambassador H.E. Rashid Sesay.

Sierra Leone Foreign Affairs Minister Signs Visa Waiver with UAE

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.