Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has left Freetown on Sunday en route to Samoa, an island nation in Polynesia, to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

The summit, set to take place from October 21 to 26, will gather leaders from across the Commonwealth.

During his journey, President Bio will make a brief stopover in Sri Lanka before continuing to Samoa on Monday. The meeting in Samoa marks a significant occasion for Commonwealth member nations to discuss key global issues and foster cooperation among the 56 independent and equal countries that make up the organization.

Earlier on Tuesday 8th October 2024, President Bio held a conversation with His Majesty King Charles III, the Head of the Commonwealth. The discussion, according to Bio, was “productive” and centered on preparations for the upcoming CHOGM summit.

“Today, I had a productive conversation with His Majesty King Charles III, the Head of the Commonwealth, in anticipation of the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) taking place in Samoa later this month. I look forward to a fruitful participation and a successful summit in Samoa,” Bio shared in a statement.