By: Tommy Sidikie, reporter
November 19, 2024 – In a significant move to bolster bilateral relations and regional collaboration, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, warmly welcomed Liberia’s President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. during his working visit to Freetown.
Describing President Boakai as a “big brother,” President Bio congratulated him on his recent election and the trust bestowed upon him by the Liberian people. He emphasized the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties that link the two nations and highlighted the immense potential for trade and economic cooperation.
President Bio praised President Boakai’s focus on agriculture as a pivotal strategy for achieving food security, creating jobs, and alleviating poverty. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to agricultural development through the Feed Salone Initiative, which promotes sustainable farming practices.
“We share a unique opportunity as neighbors with open borders to enhance sub-regional cooperation, particularly in border security,” President Bio stated. He also acknowledged Liberia’s support during Sierra Leone’s successful bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, illustrating the importance of collaboration within the Mano River Union (MRU).
To further deepen ties, President Bio proposed inter-ministerial exchanges to foster knowledge sharing and collaborative efforts, highlighting his administration’s achievements in human capital development, gender empowerment, and economic growth.
In response, President Boakai expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He commended President Bio’s vision and accomplishments, noting, “I chose to travel by road to witness firsthand the remarkable development strides of your administration, particularly the improved road networks connecting sub-regional communities.”
President Boakai acknowledged the longstanding connections between the two nations, pointing out that many cabinet members were educated in Sierra Leone. He reinforced Liberia’s commitment to peace, stating, “The peace in Sierra Leone is peace in Liberia,” and emphasized the necessity of peaceful coexistence for regional prosperity. He also praised Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone Initiative for its potential to transform agriculture and enhance food security across the region.
Following their discussions, the two leaders issued a joint communiqué reaffirming their commitment to strengthening sub-regional unity and collaboration in combating hunger and unemployment through innovative agricultural initiatives. They pledged to support peaceful democratic transitions for stability in the MRU and ECOWAS regions and to foster cross-border cooperation that promotes harmonious coexistence, cultural diversity, and economic development. The communiqué outlined plans for improved trade relations and strategic partnerships to leverage the fertile lands of both countries for sustainable development.
In a subsequent press briefing, Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Madame Sara Beysolow Nyanti, and Sierra Leone’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Francess Peagie Alghali, elaborated on the outcomes of their bilateral discussions. Madame Nyanti emphasized their shared vision, stating, “Our governments are united in prioritizing agriculture and trade as key drivers of development. This partnership represents a turning point for regional integration.”
Mrs. Alghali underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation to address security and economic challenges in the sub-region. “Through strengthened bilateral relations, we are paving the way for a peaceful and prosperous future for our people,” she asserted.
The press briefing concluded with both ministers reaffirming their commitment to implementing the agreements made, further solidifying the ties between Liberia and Sierra Leone. This historic meeting between Presidents Bio and Boakai marks a pivotal step toward regional unity, underscoring the essential role of the MRU in fostering sustainable development and peace in West Africa.
