Sierra Leone’s Ambassador-Designate to the State of Qatar, His Excellency Ahmed Tejan Fadlu-Deen on Monday 18th March 2024 presented his Letters of Credence to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar as Sierra Leone’s first resident Ambassador to Qatar, marking a significant milestone in the two countries’ effort to strengthen and deepen bilateral ties.

H.E. Fadlu-Deen was among five ambassadors to present Letters of Credence to His Highness the Amir during the ceremony at the Lusail Palace. The ceremony included an inspection of the guard at the Amiri Diwan followed by presentation of Letters of Credence to His Highness the Amir.

During the presentation, Ambassador Fadlu-Deen conveyed fraternal greetings of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to His Highness the Amir, extending appreciation for the excellent hospitality accorded to him since his arrival in Doha, among others.

He spoke about President Julius Maada Bio’s vision to boost cooperation between the two countries, culminating in establishing the country’s first diplomatic mission in Doha.

Receiving the Letters of Credence, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani appreciated President Bio’s resolve to establish a resident Mission in Doha, adding that the move was a testament to further strengthening and deepening relations between the two countries. He congratulated the Ambassador, wishing him a successful tour of duty in Doha.

Prior to his presentation to His Highness the Amir, Ambassador Deen presented copies of his Credentials to His Excellency Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs on Thursday 14th March 2024, during which he expressed gratitude to the Government of Qatar for its long standing support to Sierra Leone, including the assistance for the establishment of the first resident diplomatic mission in Doha the State of Qatar.

Wide-ranging bilateral and multilateral issues were also held, reiterating the two countries’ unwavering commitment to advancing bilateral relations and closer cooperation in various fields.

The Republic of Sierra Leone and the State of Qatar have enjoyed fruitful bilateral relations over the past 40 years. Sierra Leone expanded its diplomatic representation in the Arab World and the Gulf States by appointing the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Baba Sulaiman Timbo with full status as non-resident Ambassador to the State of Qatar in 1979. Since then, Sierra Leone has always maintained warm and fraternal relations at all levels; economic, developmental, bilateral and multilateral with the State of Qatar.