On Europe Day… Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Appreciates Contributions Of Team Europe

In celebration of the Europe Day, on 9th May,2024, the European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone hosted a reception that brought together distinguished guests and partners of the European Union, including representatives of the Sierra Leonean Government and other public institutions, political parties, Civil Society Organisations, the business community and other political, economic and social actors, as well as representatives of diplomatic missions and international partners, including the Heads of Mission of EU Member States (France, Germany, Ireland and the commanding officer of ITS (commandante Betica ). The Guest of Honour of the evening was Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Madam Francess Alghali.

The European union Ambassador, Manuel Muller, in his statement stated that in two weeks the EU Bus Tour will Travel in seven districts in Sierra Leone, and will visit the beneficiary that the Sierra Leone and Team Europe have been supporting, adding that together with the Government they want to be close to the people, as Team Europe is a Team of 27 EU member states and EU institutions supporting Sierra Leone and the implementation of the National Medium Term Development Plan and the big five game changers, where their interventions is aligned with the priority of the Government, and the Aim is to support the development of the country, which includes to boost the economy & further develop democracy, the rule of law, including Human Rights.

Moreover, the EU will continue its support to Sierra Leone, especially on Green transition, which includes Agriculture, Education and Good Governance. He told the public that the Big Five can only be implemented fully if the private sector joins hands. The EU is looking forward to the upcoming recommendations of the Election System Review Committee for future elections, they will continue to support electoral management bodies in implementing future orienrtative recommendations, as this will be an opportunity to strengthen democracy.

Furthermore, he said that the Russian aggression on Ukraine has been ongoing for two years, adding that they stand with Ukraine, and that everyday food and energy price increases makes Sierra Leone suffer. The EU also offers strong support to the District Councils, an indication of Team Europe’s strong interest in further deepening partnership in Sierra Leone, and welcomed an Italian vessel to Sierra Leone as their first time in the country. He added that the EU will continue to stand for the Government with the opposition, civil society, human rights and Gender activist, the media the young and old people in Sierra Leone.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,

Mrs Francess Piegie Alghali, in her statement, said:

“On behalf of the Government and the People of Sierra Leone, I would like to express my appreciation to Team Europe, led in-country by Ambassador Müller, for his leadership and insightful remarks, and to congratulate him on this day of celebration of EU Day. We are pleased that the European Union Delegation continues to foster cooperation and collaboration with the Government and People of Sierra Leone.

“As today marks the commencement of the European Union-Sierra Leone Bus Tour, which would showcase a testimony of our enduring partnership. Team Europe’s support for Sierra Leone’s development initiatives underscores our collective determination to create a brighter future for all our citizens.

“I commend the EU’s alignment for priorities with Sierra Leone’s National Medium Term Development Plan and the Big 5 Game Changers, reflecting a strategic approach to addressing our nation’s development aspirations. The EU’s focus on areas such as green transition, education, and good governance resonate with our commitment to sustainable growth and inclusive development. It is our hope that a platform will be created for sustaining, financing and monitoring the country’s development aspirations.

“Additionally, Team Europe’s spotlight Initiative, aimed at combatting Sexual and Gender Based Violence, exemplifies our joint efforts to advance gender equality and empowerment of women in Sierra Leone. We are already seeing the fruit of the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Law, which has led to increased female representation in government and parliament.

“The EU’s support for creating a conducive business climate and enhancing access to affordable loans for the private sector is pivotal for driving economic growth and job creation. Initiatives like Feed Salone demonstrate our shared vision for unlocking the immense potential of agricultural value chains and promoting entrepreneurship.

“I also appreciate the EU’s recognition of the progress made in implementing the tripartite agreement on National Unity and its continued support for electoral reform and constitutional review processes. These efforts are crucial for strengthening democracy, upholding the rule of law, and fostering national unity.

“As we celebrate Europe Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism and the values enshrined in the UN Charter. While we also recognise that our partnership should not be based on paternalism but on mutual respect and equality.  Together, we can address global challenges, promote peace and security, and build a more prosperous and equitable world,” she concluded.