President Julius Maada Bio has last week hosted the Saudi Arabia Minister of State for African Affairs Ahmed Abdul Aziz Kattan on a short ceremony at State House in Freetown.

The Special Envoy was accompanied to State House by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Professor David John Francis.

The Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Ahmed Abdul Aziz Kattan said he was happy and honoured to be in Sierra Leone.

He noted that he was representing the King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, whom he said wished the government and people of Sierra Leone prosperity.

“I am here to enhance and deepen the bilateral relations between the two countries. The Ruler, Crown Prince and the entire people of Saudi appreciate Sierra Leone for supporting our bid to host Expo 2030. Thank you very much,” he concluded.

In a short response, His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio thanked the visiting delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and particularly welcomed Ambassador Kattan to Sierra Leone.

The President further noted that the two countries had and would continue to enjoy good bilateral relationship that was mutually beneficial, adding that they would continue to seek each other’s interest.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation stated that the Government of Sierra Leone will consider to also support Saudi Arabia’s bid to Expo 2030. He said this was in recognition of the Special Relationship that exists between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.