By Sallieu S. Kanu
On the invitation of Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, the President of Liberia Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. is in Sierra Leone on a four-day (from 18th – 21st November 2024) working visit.
The two Heads of State exchanged views on a wide range of issues of common interests and identified opportunities to further their development and democratic aspirations within the context of deepening regional cooperation, according to a joint communique issued by the two heads of state.
President Bio congratulated President Nyuma Boakai on his election and the confidence that has been bestowed on him by the people of Liberia.
During the talks which took place in an ambiance of trust, mutual understanding and brotherly atmosphere, the Heads of State reviewed the status of political, diplomatic, economic, social, cultural and security cooperation between their two countries, as well as the Mano River Union (MRU), and agreed on partnerships to advance transformative initiatives in diverse sectors, including food security that will create opportunities for economic growth and development in the two countries and region.
President Boakai especially applauded His Excellency President Bio’s flagship programme “Feed Salone” and his dedication to revolutionize agriculture in Sierra Leone.
President Bio commended President Boakai on his initiatives to prioritize agriculture as a critical driver for food security, job creation and poverty reduction. In that vein, the two Heads of State underscored their dedication to unite the subregion and the continent; and partner around a common goal to ameliorate the hunger situation in the region and to create the necessary conditions to feed the people and create jobs through the utilization of the already fertile land transformative agricultural initiatives.
The two Heads of State discussed the democratic challenges in the MRU and ECOWAS region and reaffirmed their commitment to support peaceful democratic transition of power in order to maintain peace and security in the region. Also discussed was cross border cooperation to boost peaceful co-existence between border communities and cultural diversity, as well as economic activities to increase trade between Liberia and Sierra Leone.
At the continental and international levels, H.E. President Boakai congratulated H.E. President Bio on Sierra Leone’s leadership role in the UN Security Council and AU Committee of Ten (C10) to reform the UN Security Council. His Excellency President Bio applauded the decision of Liberia to present its candidature for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the period 2026-2027 noting that Liberia represents a respectable voice that would provide unique insights into peacebuilding and conflict resolution as well as meaningfully contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security. The Heads of State also expressed their continued support to the principles of the African Union and United Nations particularly on peace, security and development.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. expressed his gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency, President Maada Bio for the warm and fraternal welcome and the cordiality extended to him and his delegation during the working visit to Sierra Leone.
Done in Freetown on 19th November, 2024
For the Republic of Sierra Leone: For the Republic of Liberia:
Mrs. Francess Piagie Alghali Her Excellency Madam Sara
Ag. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Beysolow Nyanti
International Cooperation Minister of Foreign Affairs