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In his determined diplomatic stance, His Excellency Ambassador Salamu Koroma has reaffirmed his commitment to deepening the bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
During a high-level meeting with Mr. A. Khosravinezhad, the Assistant Minister and Director-General for Africa at Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Koroma highlighted his mission to expand cooperation in key areas such as education, energy, agriculture, and health.
“I am just a messenger,” Ambassador Koroma said, emphasizing that his appointment by President Julius Maada Bio is a mandate to foster stronger ties between the two nations. “I am here to explore opportunities that will transform Sierra Leone and Iran’s relationship for our mutual benefit.”
Mr. Khosravinezhad, during the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised Ambassador Koroma’s credentials as a career diplomat, expressing confidence in his ability to enhance cooperation. He noted the historical relationship between Iran and Africa, which spans over 45 years, and reiterated Iran’s trust and belief in Africa’s potential.
“We encourage Ambassador Koroma to facilitate exchanges between government officials and reputable business leaders from Sierra Leone to unlock new opportunities for both nations,” Mr. Khosravinezhad stated. He also acknowledged Iran’s recent enrollment of 16 Sierra Leonean students in its universities through government scholarships as a testament to the growing partnership.
Mr. Khosravinezhad assured Ambassador Koroma of Iran’s readiness to support his mission, introducing him to senior officials within the ministry to lay the groundwork for stronger collaborations. “Our office is open for any coordination needed to make this mission successful,” he added.
Ambassador Koroma responded with optimism, highlighting the need to move beyond traditional diplomatic practices to forge a transformative partnership. He expressed his eagerness to facilitate high-level visits, including a potential visit by Iranian officials to Sierra Leone.
“The priorities of President Bio’s administration—education, energy, agriculture, and health—align perfectly with the opportunities available through our collaboration with Iran,” Ambassador Koroma remarked. “I look forward to exploring new possibilities that will benefit both nations.”
In a follow-up meeting, Ambassador Koroma also paid a courtesy visit to the Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Iran, who assured him of full cooperation in his new role as Sierra Leone’s Head of Mission in Tehran. Other senior officials who participated in the discussions expressed their commitment to fostering deeper ties between the two countries.
As Ambassador Koroma settles into his role, his proactive approach and the warm reception from Iranian officials signal a promising new chapter in Sierra Leone-Iran relations, focused on innovation, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.
