His Excellency Moussa Saleh Batraki, Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at State House, where the two leaders discussed the importance of strengthened collaboration among member states to reinforce the organization’s mission and relevance.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Musa Timothy Kabba, led the discussion and expressed gratitude to President Bio for granting the audience. He stated that the Secretary-General was in Sierra Leone to provide an update on the organization’s activities and to formally introduce himself to the President.
In his statement, Secretary-General Batraki thanked President Bio for his warm welcome and confirmed that this was his second official visit to Sierra Leone. He explained that he was in the country to officially inform the President of his appointment as Secretary-General of the OACPS.
“Your Excellency, as the Secretary-General of OACPS, I am willing to serve under your advice, with a vision to rebuild trust in our organisation and strengthen our strategic partnership with the European Union,” he tweeted.
He acknowledged the organization’s current challenges, but assured President Bio that his five-year mandate would be focused on building capacity and strengthening the organization.
“Your Excellency, your leadership has been a great source of inspiration, particularly your achievements in human capital development, free quality education, and unwavering dedication to women’s empowerment and gender equality. On behalf of our member states, I would like to express our profound gratitude and eagerness to follow your leadership direction,” he added.
Secretary-General Batraki also stated that one of the primary goals of his visit was to learn from President Bio’s leadership style, particularly in terms of human capital development and South-South cooperation. “Your Excellency, through your leadership and guidance, we are here to listen and learn from your vision for Sierra Leone,” he told us.
In his remarks, President Julius Maada Bio welcomed the Secretary-General and his delegation to Sierra Leone and congratulated them on their appointment.
“On behalf of the government and people of Sierra Leone, I would like to reaffirm our commitment to the OACPS’s goals and objectives. “We are ready to support your leadership and contribute to the success of our common mission,” President Bio stated.
He praised the Secretary-General’s decision to personally engage member countries, stating that the world is changing rapidly, often silently, and that such engagements are critical for ensuring alignment and mutual support.
President Bio emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among member countries in strengthening the relationship between the OACPS and the European Union.
“Sierra Leone remains steadfast in its commitment and will continue to encourage other member countries to uphold their responsibilities to ensure the success of our organisation,” said the leader.
