His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of the Republic of Senegal has concluded a day-long working visit to Sierra Leone, meeting with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, First Lady Fatima Bio, and other government officials at the Presidency in Freetown.
Both leaders exchanged pleasantries before commencing discussions on various issues of mutual interest, emphasizing consultation and cooperation. The talks culminated in the signing of a joint communiqué by the foreign affairs ministries of Senegal and Sierra Leone.
President Faye expressed his gratitude for the warm reception extended to him and his delegation. He highlighted his satisfaction that President Bio attended his swearing-in ceremony in early April and reiterated his commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries, which he believes will create numerous opportunities for both nations.
He urged President Bio to work towards revitalizing the Mixed Commission, which he noted had been inactive for some time. He stressed the importance of security and peace for both the region and the continent, pointing out Sierra Leone’s significant role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
President Faye called on President Bio to collaborate with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) to promote peace and stability across Africa. “His Excellency, we are aware of your commitment to peace and regional stability. I want to assure you of my unflinching commitment and support in that regard and rest assured that I want to sit right next to you in achieving lasting peace in the region and Africa. On behalf of my delegation, I want to thank you for the brotherhood welcome and to assure you that Sierra Leone will always be my second home,” he stated.
President Julius Maada Bio welcomed President Faye and his delegation on behalf of the government and people of Sierra Leone. He expressed his pleasure at receiving his "brother" and colleague, confirming that “Sierra Leone is aware of your coming. I am grateful for your visit, and I want to say thank you and welcome to Freetown.”
He informed President Faye that he hoped this would not be his last visit as “this is your second home. We have lots of Senegalese here, and language should not be a border.”
President Bio emphasized their duty as young leaders to strengthen diplomatic ties through joint communiqués that could lead to tangible development for both countries. He also mentioned that Sierra Leone would need Senegal’s support at the UN Security Council, particularly concerning issues in the Sahel region, urging collaboration in finding permanent solutions.
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