By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Popular businessman and philanthropist, Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva, widely known as “Pa Jetty,” has officially assumed office as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in Sierra Leone following the formal handover ceremony and inauguration of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in Freetown.
The historic ceremony, held on Friday, 5 June 2026, at the newly established consulate office in Aberdeen, marked a major step in strengthening diplomatic and economic relations between Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire. The event was held under the grand chief patronage of Her Excellency M’Brah Aya Georgette, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire accredited to Sierra Leone and Liberia.
The occasion attracted senior Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organizations, business leaders and media practitioners, reflecting the importance both countries attach to expanding bilateral cooperation.
Delivering her remarks, Her Excellency M’Brah Aya Georgette disclosed that the appointment of Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva followed a thorough and highly competitive selection process approved by the President of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara. She also conveyed congratulations from Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Niale Kaba, and expressed confidence that the new Honorary Consul would further deepen relations between the two nations.
The Ambassador praised Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva for his strong presence in Sierra Leone, extensive business experience, integrity and commitment to public service. She said those qualities made him an ideal choice to represent the interests of Côte d’Ivoire and would help strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
Her Excellency M’Brah Aya Georgette described Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire as sister nations whose relationship has long been built on friendship, cooperation and mutual respect. She assured the new Honorary Consul of the full support of the Ivorian Government in carrying out his responsibilities.
In his acceptance address, Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva described his appointment as both an honour and a significant responsibility. He said the establishment of the Honorary Consulate represents a new chapter in the enduring friendship between Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire and demonstrates the shared commitment of both countries to closer cooperation.
Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva expressed gratitude to President Alassane Ouattara, the Ministry of State for Foreign Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire and Her Excellency M’Brah Aya Georgette for the trust and confidence reposed in him.
He noted that the relationship between the two countries is anchored on common values, including peace, democratic governance, regional cooperation and sustainable development. He pledged to discharge his duties with dedication, integrity and respect for the principles and values of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.
The new Honorary Consul also outlined his vision for the consulate, identifying trade promotion, cultural exchanges, educational partnerships and stronger people-to-people relations as key priorities. He stressed that diplomacy remains an important instrument for fostering mutual understanding and advancing shared interests.
Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva paid tribute to the Ivorian community residing in Sierra Leone, describing them as a living bridge connecting the two countries. He assured them that the consulate would remain open, accessible and responsive to their needs while promoting their welfare and interests.
Representing Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Siku Jalloh, Director of the Africa Division at the Ministry, welcomed the opening of the Honorary Consulate and congratulated Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva on his appointment.
Siku Jalloh said the establishment of the consulate reflects the strong bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire, founded on a shared history and strengthened through cooperation within the Mano River Union and the Economic Community of West African States.
He added that the consulate would serve as an important platform for promoting business opportunities, enhancing diplomatic engagement and expanding cooperation between the Governments and peoples of both countries. He assured the new Honorary Consul of the Ministry’s full support in fulfilling his mandate.
Later in the evening, a cocktail reception was held at the Lagoonda Entertainment Complex in Aberdeen to commemorate the official handover and inauguration of the Honorary Consulate. In addition to personalities present during the official inauguration ceremony earlier in the day, those in attendance at the reception included the Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, certain Government officials, Chairman of Pee Cee and Sons, Mahesh Nandwani, Head of Choithrams, Harish Agnani, Chief Executive Officer of Emkay Stores, Manoj Rajwani, Chief Executive Officer of Balani and Sons, Pa Balani, Ugandan Honorary Consul and Chief Executive Officer of AP Business Venture (SL) Ltd, Deepak Bhurani, as well as several other distinguished guests including members of the Ivorian community.
Speaking at the reception, Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh described Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire as strategic partners within the Mano River Union and the wider ECOWAS region. He noted that President Julius Maada Bio, as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, continues to champion regional integration, economic cooperation and the free movement of people and goods across West Africa.
The Chief Minister highlighted ongoing areas of collaboration between the two countries, including the Côte d’Ivoire-Liberia-Sierra Leone-Guinea electricity interconnection project and the growing trade relationship between the ports of Abidjan and Freetown.
He also identified the restoration of direct Air Côte d’Ivoire flights between Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire as an important priority, noting that improved air connectivity would promote business, tourism and diplomatic exchanges while strengthening bilateral ties.
The inauguration of the Honorary Consulate and the appointment of Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva are expected to open a new era of cooperation between Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire, with greater emphasis on economic partnerships, investment promotion, regional integration and stronger diplomatic engagement between the two neighbouring West African nations.
