By Alimatu Fofanah
(MFAIC Press Office Freetown: Friday 22nd May, 2020) Hon. Members of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Foreign Affairs on Friday 22nd May, 2020 extolled the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for its tremendous strides in promoting and enhancing President Bio’s National Development Agenda with highest premium on economic diplomacy.
The Committee Members showered praises and appreciations on the Minister and her management team during their usual update meetings with the Ministry at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Main Conference Hall at Tower Hill Freetown, on Friday 22nd May, 2020.
In his contribution at the meeting, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo thanked the Minister and her team for pursuing a comprehensive Foreign Policy objective that is in line with the National Development Agenda.
He went on to applaud the Minister’s efforts in maintaining a high degree of professionalism in the implementation of the Ministry’s activities adding that the Committee is satisfied with her astute leadership.
Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo revealed that Hon. Kandeh Kolley Yumkellah is equally satisfied with the efforts of the Minister and her team.
He assured the Minister on behalf of the Committee of their unflinching commitment and collaboration for effective Foreign Service delivery on the country.
Other members of the Committee commended the Minister and her team for working hard to achieve the country’s national and international facelift.
In her welcome address, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Florence N. Bangalie thanked the Committee Members for saving time to meet with the Ministry especially at these trying times.
The Director General highlighted the functions of the various Directorates in the ministry.
The Outgoing Deputy Director General-Policy, Mr. Sahr E. Johnny updated the Hon. Members of the Committee on the PTT the Minister had signed with His Excellency the President in April, 2020.
In his comprehensive update, the Incoming Deputy Director General-Policy, Mr. Unisa Sahid Kamara informed the Committee of the Ministry’s invaluable role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that the Ministry is still coordinating donations of medical assistance and equipment. The donated items, according to him are being transmitted to the Ministry of Health and the EOC.
In her statement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Nabeela Farida Tunis intimated Members of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of her recent activates which included and not limited to: the preliminary work on the construction of the country’s Diplomatic Academy; the development of the nation’s Foreign Service Act which according to her is now with Cabinet and the establishment of Sierra Leone’s Missions in Morocco and France.
Minister Tunis further informed the Committee that work on the opening of embassies in Freetown by UAE, India and Iceland was at an advanced stage, but the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has slowed the process.
The Minister outlined several Agreements she has signed on behalf of the Government and People of Sierra Leone which have been ratified by Parliament.
At the Multilateral front, the Minister assured Members of the Committee that she is always in constant touch with the United Nations and the African Union confirming that she has been participating in the Au Female Foreign Affairs Ministers’ discussions as a platform to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the continent.
