His Excellency Mohammed S. Barrie and His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin AbdulazizHis Excellency Mohammed S. Barrie, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, conducted a significant courtesy visit to His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Riyadh Region, on Monday, January 6, 2025. This meeting marks an important step in enhancing bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia.
During the visit, Ambassador Barrie expressed his gratitude for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation. He conveyed heartfelt greetings from His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, along with the Government and the people of Sierra Leone. The Ambassador emphasized the historical relationship between the two nations, highlighting that Sierra Leone has been a diplomatic partner of the Kingdom since 1979. As a gesture of goodwill, Ambassador Barrie presented the Governor with a symbolic plaque representing the map of Sierra Leone, along with a traditional Royal Sierra Leonean attire, which included a country cloth, hat, and scarf adorned with the national colours of Sierra Leone. In his remarks, he stated, “Your Royal Highness, today I am bringing Sierra Leone into your capable hands with this symbol, for adoption by the Kingdom for a stronger partnership in the areas of Agriculture, Energy, Mining, and human development.” The Ambassador took the opportunity to invite Prince Faisal to visit Sierra Leone, emphasizing the potential for collaboration in various sectors. He also requested the Governor’s assistance in facilitating a state visit for President Bio to the Kingdom, underscoring the importance of high-level engagements in strengthening bilateral ties.
Ambassador Barrie characterized Sierra Leone as a peaceful and welcoming nation, rich in natural resources and blessed with approximately 5.4 million hectares of arable land. He highlighted the country’s commitment to being an investment and business-friendly destination, inviting Saudi investors to explore opportunities in Sierra Leone’s diverse economic landscape. In response, Governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar expressed his appreciation for the Ambassador’s visit and the thoughtful gifts, describing them as lovely. He acknowledged the importance of enhancing cooperation between the two countries and graciously accepted the invitation to visit Sierra Leone. The Governor assured Ambassador Barrie of his office’s support, stating, “Your Excellency, once again I thank you for the visit, and my office is open to you always to support your mission.”
Ambassador Barrie was accompanied by key members of his diplomatic team, including the Head of Chancery, Alhaji Ahmed Tejan Kabba, Counsellor Mohamed Victor Kamara, First Secretary Mamodu Bai Sesay, and Information Attaché Abubakarr Bah. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to fostering deeper ties and exploring avenues for collaboration that would benefit both nations.
