Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, led a delegation of four delegates from Sierra Leone, to participate in a two-day Ministerial Dialogue in Monrovia, Liberia, organized by Liberia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In his statement, Minister Kabba reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s dedication to advancing the strategic goals of the Mano River Union (MRU), emphasizing the bloc’s resilience, despite the challenges of civil wars, coups, and pandemics. The dialogue aimed at enhancing MRU operations, focusing on trade, peace, security, and economic integration within the union. Highlighting President Bio’s legislative progress, particularly in promoting women’s rights, Minister Kabba discussed issues relating to shared bilateral ties and the sub-regional development agenda, including climate change challenges.
He stressed the importance of mobilizing sustainable funding and financial management for the MRU’s success in promoting regional cooperation and development. While noting challenges with funding issues, Minister Kabba called for accountability and transparency within the MRU secretariat to ensure proper management of available resources.
In his keynote address, the Liberian President, Joseph Boakai, underscored the need for fair economic cooperation and sectoral development and harmonisation, particularly in agriculture, maritime, forestry, customs, and telecommunications, all of which have suffered due to prolonged conflicts. He urged member states to recommit to the MRU objectives established 51 years ago by Sierra Leone and Liberia.
While acknowledging the MRU’s critical role in shaping trade and ensuring economic viability, President Boakai underlined the importance of reviewing security arrangements to help enhance effective coordination and ensure development and integration.
In welcoming delegates to the conference, the Liberian Foreign Minister, Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, thanked President Joseph Boakai for his unwavering commitment to the Union and praised the partners who have stood with the Union. She expressed the need for strong support for the MRU, emphasizing financial contributions and partnerships for development.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Director General of the Morocco Agency for International Cooperation, Ambassador Mohamed Methqal, underlined Morroco’s unwavering support for growth and sustainability in the MRU.
Sierra Leone’s delegation included Brig. Gen. George M. Bangura, Deputy Minister Kadiatu Allie, Dr Victoria M. Sulimani, Dr David S. Yambasu, and Mr. Safae Ndomahina.
