H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Barrie led a high-level delegation from the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. The talks, which formed part of a broader religious engagement, reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to deepen their relationship and to support development in Sierra Leone through intensified cooperation in Islamic education, Dawah, capacity building and measures that promote moderation and peaceful co-existence.
The Ambassador during the meeting extended warm greetings and thanks of His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its continued support to the Muslim communities across the world. Several issues of mutual interest were discussed to identify practical areas for long-term cooperation.
Capacity Building was a major theme. Both sides discussed ways of improving training programmes for Imams, scholars and preachers and to strengthen Islamic education in Sierra Leone. Discussions included professional development for religious leaders, curriculum support and facilitation of training workshops to improve the quality and reach of religious instruction and community guidance.
They also stressed the importance of religious infrastructure and real resources. The delegates discussed cooperation on construction and renovation of mosques and other religious buildings and provision of reliable Islamic educational materials including copies of the Holy Quran. The parties agreed that such assistance would be in the interests of communal worship, study, and the larger purposes of religious outreach.
The arrangements for the pilgrimage were very well organised. Ambassador Barrie thanked the Kingdom for the continued inclusion of Sierra Leone in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests’ Scholarship for Hajj and appealed for consideration for an increased number of scholarships and expansion of support for Umrah opportunities thus increasing access for Sierra Leonean pilgrims.
Scholarly exchange was also on the agenda of the meeting, which invited Imams of the Two Holy Mosques and other prominent Saudi scholars to visit Sierra Leone to lecture and participate in Islamic conferences. These exchanges are expected to bolster religious ties and promote mutual understanding.
Both delegations highlighted the significance of authentic Islamic teaching in promoting moderation and fighting extremism, with education as a key tool to promote tolerance and social cohesion. The two sides agreed to explore a Memorandum of Understanding to provide a formal framework for cooperation in future joint programs and projects.
Dr Abdullatif reiterated the longstanding friendly relations between Saudi Arabia and Sierra Leone, saying the Kingdom’s support for Dawah and Islamic programs is provided worldwide based on assessed needs and existing frameworks. It was agreed that the Sierra Leone Embassy in Riyadh would send a detailed outline of priority areas for cooperation for the Ministry’s consideration. The meeting concluded with mutual appreciation and a commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in Islamic affairs.
