The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs. Francess Piagie Alghali has declared that the purpose of her visit to Egypt was to advance dialogue on various bilateral and multilateral issues of commonality and to identify actionable steps towards strengthening the long-standing relationship.
During a bilateral meeting, the Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs Ambassador Mohamed Abu Bakr Saleh Fattah, stated that Egypt is prioritizing collaboration and cooperation with African nations, particularly Sierra Leone, through summits, training programs, and diplomatic initiatives, focusing on key areas like energy, health, technology, and infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries and Defence.
In light of recent developments, the deliberations touched on touched on Africa Union Mid-Year Summit & concurrent Business Summit to be held in Al Alamin, Egypt. The focus is on attracting African heads of state, private sector leaders, and financial institutions to discuss development, energy, health, minerals, IT, and infrastructure. The summit, Ambassador Fattah said, is seen as a crucial platform for African nations to make deals and address key issues with emphasis on the importance of strong private sector delegation participation. The timing of the summit is considered critical given the global challenges. Africa is seen as the future, attracting attention from other continents. Ambassador Saleh Fattah concluded that Sierra Leone will be sent the brochure about the business summit and the level of sponsorship.
On her side, Deputy Minister Piagie confirmed that Sierra Leone will send a strong delegation to the summit at the highest level indicating that the summit is a priority, and they will start planning now.
Turning to another substance of the meeting – the bilateral cooperation with Egypt, Sadiq Silla, Sierra Leoneโs Ambassador to Cairo referenced strengthening the bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and Egypt, including existing frameworks of cooperation, investment priorities, and collaboration with Sierra Leone.
Piagie highlighted the importance of investment with Sierra Leone having a national investment board at the highest level, pointing out that Sierra Leone is already following the issues of cooperation with the president. She added that Sierra Leone is keen to examine other players and partners and is in close collaboration with the Egyptian ambassador in Sierra Leone. She concluded that Sierra Leone would respond to the invitation of the Egyptian president and it is prepared tap into opportunities during the business summit.
The discussions also zoomed in on C10 and UN Security Council Reform and the need to reform the UN Security Council. Both sides agreed that Africa will be the biggest loser if multilateralism fails. Piagie affirmed that Sierra Leone supports the reform of the security council and will continue to navigate the reform process.
Another vital point of the discussion was the Embassy Accommodation in New Cairo City. Piagie reiterated Request from Sierra Leone for assistance in securing accommodation for their embassy in the new Cairo city. and the option “B” agreed on by both sides.
Ambassador Fattah assures that he will give instructions to the department concerned to help.
With a shared understanding of their common goals, the issue of Visa Waiver for Diplomatic Passports formed the apex of the discussion. Request from Sierra Leone to prioritize the conclusion of a visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic passports. Both sides view this as something that it would not only strengthen bilateral and multilateralism but would help to strengthen both bilateral and multilateral relationships with Egypt. It was concluded that the Egyptian host will guide the process to finalize the agreement.
Penultimately, training and technical cooperation. Piagie expressed appreciation from Sierra Leone for the ongoing training and technical cooperation provided by Egypt. She views that Sierra Leone welcomes exchanges of guest lecturers and trainers from Egypt owing to the facts that Sierra Leone is still finding its feet in terms of expertise and technical training. It was concluded that Sierra Leone will send a note with specific needs for training.
Finally, on ECOWAS Summit and AES Engagement, attention was given to the upcoming ECOWAS summit in Sierra Leone and the engagement with the AES (Alliance of Sahel States). Piagie informed that the AES will be invited to the ECOWAS summit as observers. There is a push by ECOWAS to engage the AES in areas of collaboration. There were different minds in ECOWAS when the crisis happened. It was concluded that the AES would be invited to the ECOWAS summit, and the Egyptian host will be asked to give advice on the AES.
