By Brima Sannoh
On the 21st October 2019, His Excellency the President, Julius Maada Bio departed Sierra Leone for a week-long visit to the Russian Federation and the United Arab Emirates.
It is understood that in Russia, His Excellency will attend the maiden Russia–Africa Summit and Economic Forum slated for the 23rd – 24th October in Sochi at the Sirius Park of Science and Art.
According to a State House Press Release, the President will today, the 23rd October, participate in a plenary session of the Russia-Africa Economic Forum, which will provide a detailed discussion of potential growth points of cooperation between Russia and African countries. The theme for the Economic Forum is: “Russia and Africa: Uncovering the Potential for Cooperation”.
It was also reported that on the 24th October, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio will also participate in the Russia-Africa Summit, which will be co-chaired by the President of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Vladimir Putin and the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Chairman of the African Union. The Summit is expected to look at the current state and prospects of Russia’s relations with African countries and the expansion of political, economic, technical and cultural cooperation.
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio is expected to deliver a statement during the Russia-Africa Summit, where he will highlight Russia’s support to Sierra Leone, the opportunities for future trade and investment and commit Sierra Leone to a lasting economic partnership with Russia. Whilst in Russia, he will also engage in several meetings on the margins of the Economic Forum and Summit to attract investment in Sierra Leone.
From Russia, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio will travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he will visit Elite Agro, a leading producer and distributor of agricultural commodities in UAE. Elite Agro and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry are in discussions to sign a Cooperative Agreement for an agricultural project involving 14,000 hectares of arable land at the Rhombe Swamp in Port Loko District. The President is also expected to be taken on a conducted tour of the Elite Agro Farms.
Whilst in United Arab Emirates, His Excellency will also visit Mohammad Omar Bin Haider Holding Group, a leading diversified business conglomerate with diverse interests in real estate, healthcare, education, hotel and tourism, manufacture, infrastructure among others. The meeting between the President and the Chairman of the MOBH Group is expected to focus on the Presidential Infrastructure Initiatives.
President Julius Maada Bio is accompanied by the First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio.
