Dili, Timor-Leste, Southeast Asia, Thursday, 19 May 2022: Sierra Leone’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Dr. Francis Mustapha Kai-Kai has called at the office of the President of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Aniceto Guterres Lopes, requesting for support for Sierra Leone’s bid for a seat in the non-permanent category of the United Nations Security Council.
Dr. Kai-Kai made the request during his meeting with the President of the National Parliament that was also attended by his Vice-President and President of Commission B, which focuses on foreign policies of Timor-Leste which includes g7+. He said that Sierra Leone would use the seat to advocate for the youth and women in peace processes and peacekeeping operations with a focus on fighting terrorism, climate change and human security.
“Sierra Leone believes that human rights protection and promotion brings confidence in democratic governance, bridges societal divide, strengthens a sense of common values and shared humanity and promote peaceful resolution of conflict grounded in respect and dignity for all,” noted Dr. Kai-Kai.
The Minister also strongly expressed Sierra Leone’s support for solidarity among parliamentarians from g7+ countries in the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) to promote their common interest. He thanked the National Parliament, the people and the government of Timor-Leste for their support to the g7+ cause.
On his part, His Excellency Aniceto Guterres Lopes welcomed the Team, noting that he was extremely pleased with the g7+ and the work they do in peace building and state building set out in the Dili Declaration. He pledged his full support for the International Parliamentary Union, adding that he was looking forward to stronger cooperation from Sierra Leone and other g7+ countries.
His Excellency Aniceto Guterres Lopes extended their support for Sierra Leone’s Bid for a seat in the non-permanent category of the United Nations Security Country, while also calling on Sierra Leone to support their Southeast Asian nation in their bid for a seat at the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Also, the Sierra Leone National Electoral Commission was invited through the g7+ to serve as Observer in their Presidential elections. The Minister met the Chairman and Commissioners of their Electoral Commission.
The Minister was accompanied by Dr. Helder da Costa, the General-Secretary of the g7+ Secretariat; and Abie Kamara, Director of Development Assistance and Cooperation at Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.
©️MoPED COMMS TEAM