The European Union Ambassador Manuel Muller, on Friday 12th July 2024, made a courtesy call and congratulated the Speaker of Sierra Leone Parliament, Hon Segepoh Solomon Thomas.

Speaker was congratulated for his historic election as the youngest in the history of Sierra Leone Parliament.

The European Union Ambassador also assured Speaker Thomas of more European Union Development Support for Sierra Leone.

The EU Ambassador said that earlier this year they had signed two agreements, one the EU and UN support to women and girls in the sum of 15 Million EUROS. He said the project is a five-year program meant to support violence against women and girls. He also informed Mr. Speaker that the EU intends to reach an agreement with the Ministry of Trade and Industry to promote competitiveness in the business environment. He said the agreement is 12 million Euros, which he anticipated for Parliament approval once the agreement is tabled in the House of Parliament.

The European Union Ambassador also informed Mr. Speaker that the EU intends to reach an agreement with the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone on all indicators and values, especially in the education and agricultural sectors, as well as technical support to the Local Government. He assured Mr. Speaker that the project is also around for 65 Million Euros for a four-year period.

The EU Ambassador also intimated the Speaker that the EU Parliament Team in Sierra Leone is very active. He commended the Chairman of the EU Parliamentary Team, the Majority Leader of Government Business Hon. Mathew S. Nyuma, for providing astute leadership in the EU Parliament. He added that the composition of the Sierra Leone Delegation to the European Union Delegation is to strengthen the existing bilateral relationship with Sierra Leone. He concluded by appreciating Mr. Speaker for hosting him and, according to him, the audience.

In his response, the Rt. Hon. Speaker Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas expressed profound thanks and appreciation to the Ambassador for the visit. Mr. Speaker wished that the visit of the EU Ambassador was on a sitting day. He said he would have taken the Ambassador to the Well of Parliament for Members of Parliament to formally recognize and welcome him. Mr. Speaker acknowledged with deep gratitude that the European Union had rendered a colossal help to Sierra Leone, adding that the people of Sierra Leone truly appreciated the generosity of the European Union.

Mr. Speaker assured the European Union Ambassador that the House of Parliament is not just ready but eager to ratify any developmental agreement from the European Union. Mr. Speaker commended the proposed agreements the EU Ambassador hinted at, describing it as very developmental for the people of Sierra Leone.

Mr. Speaker’s commitment to ensuring that parliament ratifies progressive development is unwavering. He reiterated that he would personally ensure that parliament stands by its commitment to progressive development.

“I want to thank the EU again for their assistance, particularly to parliament, regarding the E-Governance issue. I also want to commend the EU for the renovation of Parliament and take this opportunity to thank you abundantly, Rest assured that Parliament would also stand by you, especially for progressive laws and what is proper for Sierra Leone”, Speaker Thomas concluded.