By Idrissa Bangura

The newly appointed Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Timothy Kabba held a meeting with various Heads of Diplomatic Missions, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, at the Foreign Affairs Ministry to accelerate diplomatic relations and helping collaboration on critical global problems.

The meeting gave the Minister and his Deputy the platform to interact with foreign envoys since assuming that position, giving a platform for sharing ideas and perspectives and forming strategies for cordial advancement. He addressed the congregated diplomats by expressing his sincere gratitude to the Sierra Leone Government and its people for the strong and cordially beneficial relationships especially during challenging times such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Minister underscored the achievements of president Bio’s first term in his administration. He boasted  that ‘’the government has augmented investment in educating the next generation of our time, bolstering health care systems, addressing poverty and unemployment, empowering marginalized groups and safeguarding environment,’’ He emphasized.

He highlighted notable progress in fighting corruption, strengthening democratic governance, and implementing reforms that enhance government’s efficacy and the rule of law. He outlined International benchmarks, such as requirements from the extractive industry’s transparency initiative as indicators of Sierra Leone’s commitment to positive change.

He celebrated the achievement of increased women’s participation and representation in parliament in the just concluded multi-tier elections, a historic milestone for the country. He made mentioned of the big five government priorities and called for collaboration and support from the diplomatic missions in realizing these goals.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the Diplomatic Community for their role in Sierra Leone election to a non- permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council on June sixth. He pledged to leverage the experiences of previous council members for effective engagement.

He furthered to highlight the president’s commitment to democracy and peace. He called for the formation of a body that will Review Committee of National Electoral System composing independent bodies to assess and recommend improvement for future electoral cycles. This moves reflected the government’s unwavering dedication to democratic principles and national stability.

The meeting saw contributions from other prominent diplomats, like the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing, who revealed China’s commitment to collaborate under the South-South corporation movement. The High Commissioner for UK, Lisa Chisney praised the robust and enduring relationship between Sierra Leone and the UK and expressed support for addressing the nation’s challenge through dialogue.

The outgoing Ambassador, David Reimer acknowledged the strong partnership between the two countries and expressed confidence in continued the cooperation under the astute leadership of Timothy Kabba. The Commissioner for Ghana, Mrs. Worwornyo  Agyema extended her country’s support and proposed information exchange for issues of cordial concern.

The European Union Ambassador, Manuel Muller commended the minister for his boldness and pledged continued collaboration with Sierra Leone on a lot of areas. He highlighted the upcoming EU electoral observer’s mission report on June elections and praised Sierra Leone’s commitment in strengthening the electoral process and establishing peace in the region.