By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on November 18, 2024, received a warm red carpet welcome during his two-day working visit to Guinea-Bissau. He met with His Excellency President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, and the two leaders held productive discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Their talks focused on strengthening cultural and technical exchanges, as well as security and diplomacy training. The meeting underscored the deep-rooted ties between Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau, with both leaders emphasizing the need to expand collaboration across various sectors. Vice President Jalloh expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by President Embaló and his government, acknowledging the shared values and mutual aspirations that unite the two nations.
Following his meeting with the President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh attended a working lunch with Prime Minister Rui Duarte Barros.
At a joint Press Conference in Bissau, the Hon. Vice President underscored the need to strengthen cooperation between the two countries through technical and cultural exchanges as well as security collaborations. Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh commended the Government of Guinea-Bissau for its commitment to fostering fraternal ties with Sierra Leone, noting the importance of cultural and diplomatic engagements in strengthening the bond between the two countries.
As part of his itinerary, the Vice President also addressed the Sierra Leone community in Guinea Bissau . He briefed them about progress back home and the efforts the Government of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio is making in the full implementation of the Government’s Big 5 Game Changer including the Feed Salone agenda.
Reflecting on his visit, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh shared his personal connection to Guinea-Bissau, describing the city as one that holds many fond memories when he was working for the United Nations. He knows Guinea-Bissau very well because of his previous supervisory job at the UNOWAS office in Dakar, Senegal which covered Guinea-Bissau.
The Vice President extended special thanks to Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to The Gambia, who also cover Guinea-Bissau, Martha Kanagbo and her team for their efforts in organizing the visit as well as their dedication to advancing Sierra Leone’s diplomatic presence in the country.
Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh’s visit to Guinea-Bissau highlights Sierra Leone’s ongoing commitment to regional integration and collaboration. By prioritizing cultural and technical exchanges, security partnerships and diplomatic training, the visit not only deepened existing ties but also opened new avenues for cooperation.
As both nations continue to work together, the outcomes of this visit are expected to contribute significantly to fostering peace, stability and shared progress in West Africa.
