The outgoing Iranian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Sayed Khalil Sadati Amiri, has praised President Julius Maada Bio’s Human Capital Development initiative, calling it a transformative policy for the country. Ambassador Amiri made these remarks during his farewell meeting with President Bio at State House in Freetown after completing three years of diplomatic service.
Timothy Musa Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, introduced the ambassador to the president and described the event as a moment of pride and gratitude. He noted that Ambassador Amiri had worked consistently to strengthen bilateral relations between Iran and Sierra Leone during his tenure.
Ambassador Amiri reflected on his time in Sierra Leone, recalling discussions with President Bio about deepening cooperation in key areas. He pointed out his support for the government’s Human Capital Development programme by facilitating four sets of scholarships for Sierra Leonean students to study in Iran and helping establish a nursing school that expanded educational collaboration between the two countries.
“Your Excellency, your human capital development initiative is laudable. It can transform this country,” said Ambassador Amiri. He assured that the scholarship programme would continue to benefit Sierra Leonean students and expressed hope for further collaboration in education, technology, medicine, and other sectors.
President Bio thanked Ambassador Amiri for his service and described him as a partner who achieved tangible results through diplomacy. The president acknowledged Iran’s contributions to human capital development and healthcare in Sierra Leone.
“There are difficult times around the world. For you to maintain and deepen the relationship between our two countries while bringing key development to Sierra Leone is vital, and we appreciate it dearly,” President Bio said. “Particularly in human capital development and the health sector, your contributions have had real impact.”
President Bio also expressed hope that future diplomatic efforts would build on these achievements. “There is quite a lot for us to learn from you in technology, medicine, education, and agriculture, among others,” he said.
“On behalf of the government and people of Sierra Leone, I want to thank you for everything you have done as the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Sierra Leone. I wish you success in your next mission, and be assured you are always welcome here,” President Bio concluded.