The Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Sierra Leone and Guinea will today Tuesday 9th February 2021 end a two-day bilateral discussion on two key agreements on Security and Information Cooperation, as well as Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in customs matters.
The high level visit, which started yesterday Monday 8th February 2021 at State House and later at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, followed a two-day (28th–29th January 2021) high-level meeting with key stakeholders in Conakry, including the Speaker of Parliament of the Assembly of the Republic of Guinea, and other members of government.
The meeting was aimed at engaging the Guinean authorities to find solutions to the common concerns that have been identified by the two nations.
While addressing the visiting Guinean delegation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Nabeela F. Tunis reminded all that based on fruitful discussions and engagements, both sides agreed that important areas vital to boosting cooperation between them must be re-examined in the spirit of a mutually beneficiary partnership, particularly in the area of security, intelligence sharing and customs.
“In furtherance of our shared objectives, our two sides agreed on the urgent necessity for continued dialogue not only at the political level but also at the security, intelligence and customs level to enhance the free flow of information, which should enable the two sides arrive at important and value-based decisions critical for the smooth operations of these sectors.”
She added, “Our meetings today will be geared towards reaching an understanding on two draft agreements on security and information cooperation, as well as on cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in customs matters submitted by the Guinean side. On our side, we have proposed the setting up of a joint commission for cooperation between our two governments that covers broad areas of our collective interest.”
The Guinean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Guineans Abroad, Dr. Ibrahima Khalil Kaba, described Sierra Leone as a sister country with strong historically interwoven cultural, social and economic ties. He reminded all of how their military brothers were here years back to help bring everlasting peace to the country, while others lost their lives in demonstration of their love and confidence in Sierra Leone.
The Minister said their visit serves as a response to a similar visit made by a Sierra Leonean delegation to Guinea 10 days ago to finalise engagements and study the situation in Guinea. He said they are in Sierra Leone to essentially conclude the already started discussion that was initiated by the Sierra Leone government for discussion towards stronger and positive bilateral relations, which according to him was agreed by the two Heads of States.
Deliberations on the two draft agreements from Guinea and the developed proposal by Sierra Leone will end today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, where it is expected that crossing points into and out of the two Mano River Union (MRU) member countries will be open to human and vehicular traffic.
MK/09/02/2021
By mohamed.kabba@awokonewspaper.sl