The Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Dr. Francis Mustapha Kai-Kai has departed Sierra Leone today for Dili, Timor Leste on the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Southeast Asian nation.

The MoPED has been invited in his capacity, as Chair of the g7+ group of countries to attend the “Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Restoration of Independence of Timor-Leste on the 20th May 2022” to be held in the capital Dili.

During his short visit, the MoPED is expected to greet leaders of the host country and express the g7+ appreciation for the political, institutional and financial support from the Government of the Democratic Republic of East Timor.

Minister Kai-Kai is also expected to meet with the Timor-Leste President of National Parliament, the meeting will also be attended by the Vice President and President of Commission B that focuses on foreign policies of Timor-Leste which includes g7+.

Later on that evening, Dr. Kai-Kai will attend a dinner hosted by the President-Elect of Timor-Leste, His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, where he will have the opportunity to brainstorm the strategic direction of the g7+ and the role of Timor-Leste and other member countries.

The MoPED will also meet with H.E. Adaljiza Xavier Mango, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste to propose to establish diplomatic relation between Sierra Leone and Timor-Leste, which will also help in better relation between the 2 countries beyond the g7+.

He will later on meet with the President of National Commission of Election (CNE), H.E. Jose Agostinho da Costa Belo.

In a very brief statement, Minister Kai-Kai said his role at the g7+ would give Sierra Leone a stronger voice in the international scheme of things.

The Minister has been accompanied by the Director of Development Assistance and Cooperation at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Abie Kamara. He is expected to return to Sierra Leone on the 24th May 2022.