In implementing His Excellency the President’s vision to deepen relations between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the State of Qatar, Her Excellency Haja Ishata Thomas, Sierra Leone’s Non-Resident Ambassador to the State of Qatar has held discussions with Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Fakhroo, the Director of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the State of Qatar for logistical requirements to establish Sierra Leone’s Mission in Doha.

The move to open Sierra Leone’s Embassy was an outcome of the State Visit of His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio to Doha on 18th June 2022, during which the two governments discussed plans to further strengthen cooperation through the exploration of trade and investment opportunities in the mining and agricultural sectors and the establishment of resident missions in both countries.

In her statement, Ambassador Haja Ishata Thomas conveyed appreciation to His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for the numerous development assistance rendered to the Republic of Sierra Leone to improve the education, health, agriculture sectors as well as support the economic empowerment of Sierra Leoneans over the years.

The Non-Resident Ambassador revealed that the Republic of Sierra Leone and the State of Qatar have enjoyed excellent bilateral relations during the past four (4) decades, leading to the facilitation of two successful state visits of His Excellency the President, which culminated in the signing of several bilateral agreements to firm up relations between the two countries.

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“President Dr Julius Maada Bio has graciously thought it necessary to establish a resident mission in Doha and appoint a resident Ambassador to the State of Qatar. Against this backdrop, I have been mandated to engage your government with a view to discussing the logistical assistance by your government for the opening of Sierra Leone’s Mission in Doha,” she informed the Director.

For his part, Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Fakhroo underscored Qatar’s delight in Sierra Leone’s move to open a resident mission in Doha, stating “It is a step in the right direction”. He recalled the two leaders’ discussion last year concerning the opening of embassies in both capitals, which, he disclosed, was better for both countries.

“The State of Qatar welcomes the idea of the President. We will provide the needed support for its implementation. On the other hand, the State of Qatar is also desirous to open a resident mission in Freetown. It is our hope that this desire is speedily put into action,” the Protocol Director noted.

In another engagement, Her Excellency Haja Ishata Thomas also met with Ambassador Abdulla Husien Mohammed Jaber, the Director of the African Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressing profound appreciation for the numerous support in the past five years. She appealed for similar support to be extended to the Ambassador-designate to help him achieve his objectives during his tour of duty.

Credit: Information Attaché, Sierra Leone Embassy, Kuwait