In a significant diplomatic event, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone welcomed His Excellency Ousmane Sonko, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Senegal, to the State House for a working visit focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two West African nations. This visit underscores the longstanding relationship between Sierra Leone and Senegal, marking a new chapter of a partnership aimed at fostering mutual development.
During the warm reception, President Bio conveyed heartfelt greetings to the people of Senegal on behalf of the Sierra Leonean government and its citizens. He highlighted the deep-rooted ties that have historically connected both countries and expressed his commitment to expanding the scope of cooperation in various sectors. “Sierra Leone and Senegal enjoy longstanding bilateral relations, but this visit marks a new phase of partnership. We will explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in energy, mining, and road infrastructure that can physically and economically connect our countries,” President Bio stated, emphasizing the potential for collaborative growth.
The President also reflected on the fruitful visit of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to Sierra Leone in June 2024, noting that Prime Minister Sonko’s current visit serves as a continuation of the discussions initiated during that meeting. “I extend my warm regards to my brother, President Faye. We are ready to partner in concrete terms and move forward with our shared development goals. Thank you for coming, and please feel at home in Sierra Leone. We now look forward to a binding agreement that cements our partnership,” he concluded, setting a positive tone for the discussions ahead.
In response, Prime Minister Sonko expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by President Bio and conveyed greetings from President Faye and the people of Senegal. “Your Excellency, I bring fraternal greetings from my President. I am here to follow up on his working visit last year and to explore ways we can enhance synergy in our cooperation and development agenda,” he remarked, indicating the importance of continuity in diplomatic relations.
Sonko stressed the necessity of constructing tangible frameworks for cooperation, particularly in the realms of mineral resource development, road infrastructure, and investment opportunities. “Your Excellency, we are eager to extend an open hand of partnership. I feel at home here, and I wish to sincerely thank you for the support and integration the Senegalese community in Sierra Leone continues to enjoy. They feel welcomed and have assimilated well into the culture and values of Sierra Leone,” he added, emphasizing the cultural ties that bind the two nations.
The visit culminated in a high-level working session co-chaired by Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, and Prime Minister Sonko. This session was dedicated to strengthening cooperation between the two nations and concluded with the signing of several key Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that highlight their collective commitment to regional development and integration.
One notable MOU focused on Mining and Energy Cooperation, which was signed by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, and Senegal’s Minister of Economy, Planning, and Cooperation, Mr. Abdourahmane Sarr. Another MOU aimed at the Promotion of Bilateral Investment and Private Sector Cooperation was signed by Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, Executive Director of the National Investment Board of Sierra Leone, and Mr. Bakary Sega Bathily, Managing Director of APIX, representing Senegal.
The Vice President of Sierra Leone characterized the working session as a pivotal moment in fostering collaboration and mutual respect between the two countries. “Today’s engagements reflect a shared commitment to building a strategic minerals hub and advancing our collective development aspirations,” he stated, encapsulating the spirit of partnership that emerged from the discussions.
This visit not only strengthens the bilateral ties between Sierra Leone and Senegal but also sets the stage for future collaboration that promises to benefit both nations economically and socially.
