By: Amara Kargbo
Sierra Leone and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with a renewed focus on economic cooperation, investment, development, diplomacy, and people-to-people ties.
The commitment was underscored during celebrations marking Saudi Arabia’s 96th National Day in Freetown, where Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Madam Jeneba J. Bangura represented the Government of Sierra Leone.
Delivering the government’s message, Madam Bangura extended warm congratulations to the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia, describing the relationship between the two countries as one founded on mutual respect, shared values, and common interests. Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia established diplomatic relations in 1978, and their cooperation has since expanded across political, economic, humanitarian, and multilateral spheres.
The deputy minister welcomed Saudi Arabia’s establishment of a resident diplomatic mission in Freetown, describing it as a significant development that reflects the growing importance of relations between the two countries. She said Sierra Leone looked forward to using the strengthened diplomatic presence to advance political, economic, and people-to-people cooperation.
Madam Bangura identified significant opportunities for increased Saudi investment and private-sector participation in Sierra Leone, particularly in areas aligned with the country’s development priorities. Agriculture and agribusiness, mining and mineral resources, renewable energy, infrastructure, and human capital development were highlighted as sectors with potential for mutually beneficial partnerships.
She also called for stronger business-to-business engagement and proposed establishing a joint Saudi-Sierra Leone Economic and Business Council. According to the Deputy Minister, such a mechanism could provide a structured platform for private-sector dialogue, facilitate reciprocal trade missions, and strengthen investment links between the two countries.
Madam Bangura assured Saudi Arabia’s newly appointed resident Ambassador of the ministry’s full cooperation and support, stressing the government’s commitment to facilitating the successful operation of the diplomatic mission. Sierra Leone also expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s development and humanitarian assistance, including support provided through the Saudi Fund for Development and other Saudi-supported institutions.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged the Kingdom’s continued support for Sierra Leonean pilgrims, particularly through hospitality, welfare services, and logistical assistance, noting that such initiatives had helped deepen ties between the peoples of both countries.
Addressing broader international concerns, Madam Bangura underscored the importance of sustained cooperation in responding to conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate change, biodiversity loss, poverty, inequality, unemployment, transnational crime, cybercrime, money laundering, and disinformation.
She reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, respect for international law, and diplomatic initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability. She added that the country was prepared to strengthen intelligence-sharing and technical capacity-building with Saudi Arabia in addressing transnational challenges.
At the multilateral level, Madam Bangura reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s readiness to work with Saudi Arabia through international institutions in pursuit of shared objectives related to global equity, justice, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Saud Al-Musa’ed, described the opening of the Saudi Embassy in Freetown and his appointment as the Kingdom’s first resident ambassador to Sierra Leone as landmark developments in the bilateral relationship.
The Ambassador said the enhanced diplomatic presence demonstrated the commitment of both governments to expanding cooperation across political, economic, trade, social, cultural, religious, educational, and humanitarian fields.
He highlighted emerging opportunities in several sectors, including air transport, health, security, defence, youth development, social affairs, and business. On air transport, the Ambassador pointed to ongoing efforts surrounding an air transport cooperation agreement, which he said could create greater opportunities for travel, tourism, and aviation services between the two countries.
Health cooperation was also highlighted, including plans for hospital development with a proposed 150-bed capacity and specialized medical facilities. The Ambassador further outlined cooperation involving security institutions, technical exchanges, and capacity-building initiatives.
Private-sector engagement featured prominently in the Ambassador’s remarks. He cited progress towards establishing a Saudi-Sierra Leone Business Council through the Federation of Saudi Chambers, describing the proposed body as a platform for expanding trade, investment, and broader economic cooperation. He also referred to progress on taxation and investment-related agreements intended to strengthen the framework for economic engagement between the two countries.
The discussions underscored the shared interest of Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia in building on existing diplomatic relations while identifying new areas of cooperation capable of generating tangible benefits for their citizens.
Saudi Arabia’s National Day celebration thus provided an opportunity not only to commemorate the Kingdom’s national heritage but also to highlight the deepening relationship between the two countries and their aspirations for broader cooperation.
Sierra Leone extended renewed congratulations to the government and people of Saudi Arabia on the Kingdom’s 96th National Day and expressed hope that the friendship and cooperation between the two nations would continue to expand in the years ahead.
