Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has joined the historic celebration of the 94th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Sierra Leone for the first time since the establishment of bilateral relations between the two countries over four decades ago.
Ali Ibrahim Alheji, Head of Mission at the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Sierra Leone, opened his remarks by extending heartfelt congratulations to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The event took place at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown, on September 23, 2024. Alheji expressed his hopes for the Kingdom’s ongoing progress and development under their wise leadership.
Alheji highlighted that the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Freetown has achieved significant milestones since its opening in December 2023, thanks to the support of the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone. The celebration marked the first time the two countries have celebrated Saudi Arabia’s National Day together on Sierra Leonean soil.
He emphasized the strong and enduring bonds between Saudi Arabia and Sierra Leone, which are rooted in cooperation in various fields. Sierra Leone is a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition.
Alheji expressed gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio, Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, and the Government of Sierra Leone for their warm reception and ongoing support. He acknowledged the government’s efforts in facilitating the embassy’s operations and enabling it to fulfill its duties.
He noted the significance of President Bio’s participation in the Saudi-African Summit held in Riyadh in November 2023, which resulted in the signing of several agreements, including the Air Service Agreement and the Political Cooperation and Consultation Agreement.
Alheji reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for Sierra Leone’s candidacy for non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council and congratulated the country on this achievement. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to provide support for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, including offering scholarships to 100 Sierra Leonean pilgrims for the upcoming year 1446 (2025 AD).
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has also provided copies of the Holy Quran to Muslims in Sierra Leone, scholarships for higher education in Saudi Arabian universities, and financial grants to combat the Ebola epidemic. In addition, it is contributing to the construction of the “Riyadh Reference Hospital” in Lungi and the rehabilitation and expansion of Fourah Bay College.
Alheji expressed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to continued cooperation and coordination with Sierra Leone in various fields. He thanked the Government of Sierra Leone for providing land for the construction of the Saudi Arabian embassy office in Freetown.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Frances Algahali, acknowledged the longstanding relationship between Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia, based on mutual respect, cooperation, and solidarity. She highlighted Saudi Arabia’s generous support in sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure.
Algahali recognized the global challenges facing the world, including the conflict between Israel and Palestine and climate change, and called for solidarity and collaboration to address them. She commended Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and its leadership in regional dialogue.
In conclusion, she reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights and expressed the hope for continued collaboration and strengthened bonds of friendship between the two countries.
Credit: Correspondent-AmaraKargbo
