His Excellency Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, has arrived in Washington, D.C. for a crucial one-day working visit before heading to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The President and his high-level delegation touched down at Dulles International Airport, where they were warmly received by key officials, including Finance Minister Sheku Fantamadi Bangura and Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, Sidique Abou-Bakarr Wai.

During his brief but pivotal stay in Washington, President Bio is set to hold high-profile discussions, beginning with a meeting with Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The talks are expected to focus on strengthening Sierra Leone’s economic recovery efforts and exploring further financial cooperation.

In addition, the President will engage Ambassador Molly Phee, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, in a bilateral discussion that will likely address key issues related to trade, security, and U.S.-Africa relations.

These engagements underscore President Bio’s commitment to fortifying Sierra Leone’s diplomatic and economic ties with the United States.

A highlight of the visit will be a trade and investment roundtable hosted at the Fairmont Hotel. U.S. government trade and investment agencies will participate, providing a platform for President Bio to showcase Sierra Leone’s investment potential and ongoing reforms aimed at fostering economic growth.

Joining him at the roundtable are key members of his delegation, including Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Foreign Affairs Minister Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabbah, and Finance Minister Sheku A.F. Bangura. The discussions will focus on opportunities for U.S. businesses and investors to engage in Sierra Leone’s emerging sectors, including agriculture and energy.

In a separate meeting, Sierra Leone’s delegation, led by Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, will engage with John Tomaszewski and staff members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This engagement at the Dirksen Senate Office Building aims to reinforce bilateral relations and discuss legislative cooperation between Sierra Leone and the U.S.

President Bio will conclude his visit to Washington before departing for New York on Saturday, September 21, 2024, to attend the UNGA. While in New York, he is scheduled for a one-on-one meeting with Congressman Gregory Meeks, a ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton. These discussions are expected to focus on advancing Sierra Leone’s international agenda and highlighting key development initiatives.