By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone: Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on Thursday joined members of the Saudi Arabian community, diplomats and government officials in Freetown to celebrate the 96th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he served as Guest of Honour.
The celebration, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, underscored the longstanding bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia and highlighted growing cooperation in trade, investment, education, humanitarian assistance and religious affairs.
Speaking at the event, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Suad Al Musaed, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development agenda. She highlighted Saudi Arabia’s contributions in healthcare, humanitarian programmes, education and religious affairs, describing the partnership between the two countries as steadily expanding.
Representing President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Vice President Juldeh Jalloh commended the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations and emphasized the importance of deepening economic cooperation.
He noted that productive and strategic investments have the potential to create trade opportunities, stimulate economic growth and deliver mutual benefits for both countries.
The Vice President also referenced ongoing bilateral initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration and fostering sustainable development.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Jeneba Bangura, congratulated the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia on the occasion and praised the Kingdom’s continued development and humanitarian support to Sierra Leone.
She reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening relations with Saudi Arabia and welcomed increased Saudi investment in key sectors, including agriculture, mining, renewable energy, infrastructure, tourism and human capital development.
The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, public officials and invited guests in a celebration of friendship, cooperation and shared aspirations for greater partnership between the two nations.