The Republic of Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with the Republic of Korea and advancing the implementation of key commitments made under the Korea–Africa partnership framework during the just-concluded Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Seoul.

The high-level ministerial meeting brought together foreign ministers, senior government officials, diplomats, and representatives from across the African continent and the Republic of Korea to review progress since the historic 2024 Korea–Africa Summit and to strengthen cooperation in areas including trade and investment, critical minerals, climate action, technology, health, peace and security, and sustainable development.

Representing the Right Honourable Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba Esq., Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Ambassador Paul Sobba Massaquoi delivered Sierra Leone's national statement during the ministerial session.

In his address, Ambassador Massaquoi conveyed warm greetings from His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the Government and people of Sierra Leone. He commended the Government of the Republic of Korea, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for successfully convening the important gathering and for its continued commitment to strengthening cooperation between Korea and African nations.

The Ambassador reaffirmed Sierra Leone's support for the objectives and outcomes of the conference and called for the effective implementation of commitments made during the 2024 Korea–Africa Summit. He emphasized the importance of translating diplomatic commitments into practical initiatives that deliver meaningful benefits for African countries and their citizens.

Highlighting Sierra Leone's strategic importance within the Korea–Africa partnership, Ambassador Massaquoi underscored the country's abundant natural resources, youthful population, and growing investment opportunities. He noted that Sierra Leone is well positioned to contribute to Korea's green development ambitions and sustainable supply chain objectives through enhanced cooperation in critical minerals, agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure development, aviation, and the emerging oil and gas sector.

The Ambassador further encouraged stronger bilateral engagement and increased private sector investment between Sierra Leone and the Republic of Korea, stressing that mutually beneficial partnerships would contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.

He also advocated for deeper diplomatic engagement between the two countries and encouraged continued discussions on the establishment of a resident Korean Embassy in Freetown, noting that an expanded diplomatic presence would further strengthen political, economic, and people-to-people relations.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a Joint Statement reaffirming the commitment of African countries and the Republic of Korea to deepen cooperation in strategic sectors, strengthen economic partnerships, promote sustainable development, and advance the implementation of commitments agreed upon during the 2024 Korea–Africa Summit.

Sierra Leone's delegation to the Foreign Ministers' Meeting was led by His Excellency Ambassador Paul Sobba Massaquoi and included Dr. David Sidikie Yambasu, Senior Adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and Mr. Momodu Adama Wurie, Deputy Director of Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. 

The delegation was supported by officials of the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Seoul.

The active participation of Sierra Leone at the ministerial meeting reflects the country's continued commitment to economic diplomacy, international cooperation, and the pursuit of strategic partnerships that support national development priorities under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio.

As Korea and Africa move forward with the implementation of the ministerial outcomes, Sierra Leone remains committed to working closely with the Republic of Korea and fellow African nations to advance shared goals of economic transformation, sustainable development, peace, and mutual prosperity.

Michaella Bonnie

Information Attaché

Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone

Seoul, Republic of Korea