Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Türkiye Presents Credentials, Focuses on Trade and Investment

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Türkiye, Francess Virginia Anderson, PhD, officially assumed her diplomatic role by presenting her Letter of Credence to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on December 26, 2024.

During the ceremony, she conveyed a goodwill message from Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio to his Turkish counterpart, underscoring the enduring ties between the two nations.

The presentation, a key diplomatic tradition, signifies the formal commencement of Ambassador Anderson’s duties as Sierra Leone’s top envoy in Türkiye. Her tenure marks the second resident ambassadorship since Sierra Leone established its Ankara mission in 2020.

In her address, Ambassador Anderson expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s hospitality and emphasized the potential for expanding bilateral trade relations. “Both countries have great potential to boost economic cooperation and deepen our partnership,” she said. She highlighted her plans to organize Sierra Leone’s inaugural Trade and Investment Summit in Türkiye, which aims to foster economic growth, establish new markets, and strengthen business ties.

Türkiye and Sierra Leone first established diplomatic relations in 1971. Türkiye opened its embassy in Freetown in 2018, while Sierra Leone followed with its Ankara mission in 2020. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached $83 million in 2024, with key Turkish exports including flour, sugar, cement, and iron products, while Sierra Leone’s exports primarily consist of titanium, leather, and bulk goods.

President Erdoğan welcomed the ambassador’s appointment and emphasized the importance of increasing trade volume. “Turkish investors are already significantly contributing to Sierra Leone’s development, particularly in the airport, mining, and electricity sectors,” he said. The Turkish leader encouraged Ambassador Anderson to prioritize ratifying and implementing pending bilateral agreements.

With Turkish Airlines operating thrice-weekly flights between İstanbul and Freetown, both nations are poised for closer economic and cultural collaboration. The upcoming trade summit is expected to further solidify these ties, providing a platform for business leaders and policymakers to explore new opportunities.

As the ambassador begins her term, expectations are high for enhanced partnerships that could drive mutual economic progress and set a precedent for deeper international cooperation.