The relationship between Turkiye and Sierra Leone has been steadily growing over the years. Recently, the Sierra Leone Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented land for constructing a Turkish embassy in Sierra Leone on 2nd August, 2024.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation conveyed the land documents and reiterated Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with international partners.

The Turkish Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Sibel Erkan, expressed gratitude for the swift approval of the embassy land and promised to commence the construction process. Turkey is committed to opening diplomatic missions in all African countries as part of its Africa Partnership Policy, aiming to contribute to peace, stability, and economic development.

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Turkish-Sierra Leonean relations were established in 1971, and both countries have embassies in each other’s capitals. Sierra Leone has benefited from Turkish development assistance, including scholarships for its students. Furthermore, Turkey has been involved in various trade activities with Sierra Leone, with bilateral trade volume increasing over the years.

In addition, Turkish Airlines operates flights between Istanbul and Freetown three times a week. Turkey has also provided development assistance through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), including the donation of mechanical tools to empower youth in Sierra Leone.

In 2023, Turkish company Summa Group officially took over the management of the Freetown International Airport through a US$270 million build, operate, and transfer project between the private Turkish Summa Group and the Government of Sierra Leone.

In the energy sector, Karpowership, a major operator of floating power plants, signed deals to provide electricity in Sierra Leone. These developments signify the strengthening of ties between Turkey and Sierra Leone, marking a new chapter in their diplomatic, economic, and cultural exchanges.

In the ever-evolving landscape of global geopolitics, Sierra Leone has become one of the focal points for various nations seeking to secure markets and strategic alliances. Among these emerging players, Turkey has positioned itself as a significant actor, fostering a dynamic and reciprocal relationship with Sierra Leone over the past decade.