The annual Political Dialogue between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the European Union (EU) took place on Tuesday October 17, 2023, fostering discussions on mutual interests. Chaired by H.E. Rtd. Brigadier General Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, the meeting was held at State House in Freetown.
Key topics discussed during the dialogue included the economic situation in Sierra Leone, fostering an enabling business environment for European private sector companies operating in the country, and EU support for Sierra Leone’s development initiatives. These cooperative efforts align with Sierra Leone’s “Big 5” Priority National Development Agenda, focusing on food security, green economy, human capital development, and governance.
Both sides emphasized their commitment to a rules-based world order within the framework of the United Nations and discussed Sierra Leone’s upcoming non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for 2024-2025. They also highlighted their dedication to universal respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
At the conclusion of the dialogue, both the Government of Sierra Leone and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their partnership and continuing to hold regular political dialogues on issues of common interest.
The Sierra Leonean delegation, led by President Julius Maada Bio, included Vice President Dr. Juldeh Jalloh, Chief Minister Dr. David Monina Sengeh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mr. Timothy Kabbah, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Mr. Mohamed Lamin Tarawallie, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ms. Kenyeh Barlay, Minister of Environment Mr. Jiwoh Abdulai, Deputy Minister of Finance 1 Madam Jeneba Bangura, Financial Secretary Mr. Mathew Dingie, and Development Secretary Mr. Peter Sam Kpakra.
Representatives from the European Union included H.E. Manuel Müller, Ambassador of the European Union to Sierra Leone; H.E. Jens Kraus-Massé, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Sierra Leone; H.E. Aidan Fitzpatrick, Ambassador of Ireland to Sierra Leone; Mr. Romain Vuillaume, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of France; Ms. Trine Løber, Counsellor of the Embassy of Denmark; and Mr. Giovanni Fidele, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Italy.
Furthermore, European companies were represented by Ms. Estelle Van Eeckhout, General Manager of Brussels Airlines; Mr. Laurent Bukasa, Managing Director of Sierra Leone Brewery Limited; and Mr. Sékou Amadou Bah, CEO of Orange-Sonatel. This collaborative dialogue showcases a commitment to strengthening the ties between Sierra Leone and the European Union, enhancing mutual interests and cooperation.
