Mohamed Sheriff, Information Attaché at the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Switzerland and Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, expressed enthusiasm for advancing diplomatic ties with Switzerland following a recent meeting with Swiss officials.

The meeting, facilitated by the Deputy Ambassador of the Swiss Mission, underscored the countries’ ongoing collaboration and explored areas for future partnership.

Reflecting on his assignment, Sheriff shared his experience attending the “Introduction to UN Geneva for New Diplomats” program at the UN Library, which offered valuable insights into Swiss perspectives. Sheriff emphasized the importance of strengthening engagement with Swiss information attachés to foster shared experiences that support the interests and aspirations of both countries.

Sierra Leone’s diplomatic relationship with Switzerland dates back to 1920, when Switzerland first established a consulate in then-British-controlled Sierra Leone. Following Sierra Leone’s independence in 1961, formal diplomatic relations were established, with Switzerland’s consulate in Freetown later upgraded to a Consulate General. In 2012, Sierra Leone inaugurated its Embassy and Permanent Mission in Geneva, appointing Ambassador Yvette Stevens as its first Ambassador to Switzerland and Permanent Representative to the UN—an initiative that reflects Sierra Leone’s commitment to women’s empowerment.

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Since assuming office in 2018, President Julius Maada Bio has further strengthened ties with Switzerland, expanding the Embassy’s focus to international cooperation in various fields. Appointed Information Attaché in 2020, Sheriff has led rebranding efforts to promote the Embassy’s initiatives both to the Sierra Leonean public and to international partners, including the Swiss government, under the leadership of Ambassador Dr. Lansana Gberie.

Sheriff highlighted Sierra Leone’s increasing role in international cooperation, noting progress in sectors such as education, trade, mining, investment, humanitarian affairs, human rights, telecommunications, health, peace and security, and tourism. He credited these achievements to collaborative efforts and knowledge exchange between the two nations.

Despite the Embassy’s success in engaging its Sierra Leonean audience, Sheriff acknowledged that limited information has been shared with Swiss counterparts. Language barriers and limited collaboration opportunities have restricted broader communication. Sheriff noted that this recent meeting marked an essential step toward expanding cooperation with Swiss media to strengthen bilateral ties further.

In response, Mr. Frederick Ballenegger, Second Secretary and Communication Specialist, expressed appreciation for the visit and optimism for collaboration. He proposed organizing interview sessions with Dr. Lansana Gberie, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative to Switzerland and the United Nations, for local newspapers and television. These interviews would focus on thematic issues such as UNSC collaborations, the Ambassador’s work, and President Bio’s initiatives, all aimed at showcasing Sierra Leone’s rebranding efforts in the coming weeks.

Sheriff attended the event alongside First Counsellor Mr. Robert Koroma, who also shared optimism about deepening these partnerships.