By Cyril Barnes
Sierra Leone’s Non-resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Her Excellency Haja Ishata Thomas, has held discussions with His Excellency Khalid Yousif Aljalhma, Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bahrain regarding the implementation of bankable projects between the two countries.
The engagement is part of a series of scheduled meetings Her Excellency will hold with Bahraini officials during her four-day working visit to Manama.
In her remarks, Ambassador Thomas stated that her visit was to follow up on activities the two countries had previously initiated, particularly in finalizing bilateral agreements and exploring investment opportunities. She also mentioned that Sierra Leone’s investment architecture had developed projects in various areas for prospective investors.
“Sierra Leone has a lot of tourism and investment opportunities. The country possesses abundant natural resources, including diamond, gold, bauxite, rutile, iron ore, arable land for agricultural activities with tax incentives for investments to thrive, creating a win-win situation for both countries,”* she explained, citing also the recent robust development in the ecotourism industry.
She added that Sierra Leone had expanded investment opportunities in renewable energy, fisheries, and agricultural productivity through the Government’s “Feed Salone” program, aiming to attract capital investment in these areas and thereby positioning itself as a favorable investment and tourist destination in West Africa.
In his response, Ambassador Khalid Yousif Aljalhma expressed appreciation to the Sierra Leone Government for supporting Bahrain in its bid for a seat in the non-permanent category of the United Nations Security Council. He spoke specifically about enhancing cooperation between the two countries through the implementation of development projects.
The Political Affairs Undersecretary revealed that the Kingdom had adopted a policy to attach projects to any bilateral agreement signed with other countries, adding that they would develop an action plan for each country and transmit the same to the Embassies for review. He assured the Sierra Leone delegation of his commitment to following up on the outstanding bilateral issues between the two countries.
Earlier today, the Sierra Leone Embassy delegation met with His Excellency Sheikh bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, and discussed cooperation in the fields of literature, arts, cinema, architecture, museums, libraries, archives, and encouraged the exchange of activities and cultural conventions based on cultural diversity. They also spoke about extending an invitation to Sierra Leone to participate in yearly festivals.
Ambassador Ishata Thomas was accompanied by the Minister Counsellor/HOC, Mr. Momodu Wurie, and the Information Attache.
