His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio received the Country Representative of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Dr. Randy Kolstad, at the Presidential Lodge in Freetown on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. The official presentation was made by Bryan David Hunt, the Ambassador of the United States to Sierra Leone.
Ambassador Hunt noted that Dr. Kolstad arrived in Sierra Leone following his tenure in Washington DC, where he oversaw operations across Africa.
Dr. Kolstad expressed his pleasure at being in Sierra Leone and highlighted his team's ongoing efforts to collaborate with the government on issues such as maternal mortality, malaria, and providing contraceptives to families in need. He emphasized USAID's commitment to supporting democracy and other governmental activities in Sierra Leone, stating, "I am excited about the future of our partnership."
President Bio welcomed Dr. Kolstad and thanked Ambassador Hunt for their support of his administration's initiatives. He recalled his 2019 meeting with USAID Administrator Samantha Power, during which he requested a USAID representative be sent to Sierra Leone—a request that has now been fulfilled.
The President outlined his government's achievements despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly noting progress made through the Free Quality Education program. He emphasized agriculture as a priority during his second term, citing that over 60% of Sierra Leone's population is engaged in this sector which is crucial for economic growth.
President Bio called for continued international support to realize his government's objectives and concluded by acknowledging the significant efforts made under challenging international conditions to ensure Sierra Leone's success.
For more inquiries: State House Media and Communications Unit info@statehouse.gov.sl
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