Sierra Leone opens embassy in Qatar, signalling new chapter of ties

Doha, Qatar: In a historic moment marking a significant step forward in diplomatic ties, the Republic of Sierra Leone officially inaugurated its embassy in Qatar, yesterday.

The ceremony, held at the newly established embassy premises, was attended by dignitaries from both nations, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone H E Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba; Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), H E Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi; Director of the Protocol Department at MoFA, H E Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro; the Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Qatar, H E Ahmed Tejan Fadlu-Deen; and several of their excellencies, ambassadors and business leaders.

The opening of the Sierra Leonean embassy underscores the deepening relationship between Sierra Leone and Qatar, two countries that share a commitment to fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and mutual cooperation. This milestone reflects the growing importance of Africa-Qatar relations as Qatar continues to expand its partnerships across the continent.

In his keynote address, Alhaji Kabba expressed gratitude to Qatar for its support and hospitality. “Today marks the beginning of a new era in our bilateral relations,” he said. “This embassy will serve as a bridge to strengthen political dialogue, enhance trade and investment opportunities, and promote people-to-people connections between our two great nations.”

He noted that the opening of the embassy is a culmination of the enduring relationship between the two countries. “This is a product of the engagement of H E Brig. (Rtd.) Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,” the Sierra Leonean Minister of Foreign Affairs said.

He added that the launch of the embassy is expected to catalyze increased economic engagement between the two countries, with Sierra Leone being rich in natural resources such as diamonds, gold, and bauxite, seeking to attract Qatari investments in key sectors like mining, agriculture, infrastructure, and renewable energy, while the African country leverages Qatar’s renowned expertise in areas such as aviation, finance, and sports, aiming to explore partnerships that align with Sierra Leone’s national development priorities. In his welcoming address, Ambassador Fadlu-Deen said that Sierra Leone and Qatar share a common vision of promoting global peace and security, international cooperation and development.

“The establishment of this embassy underlines our shared commitment to strengthening political, economic and cultural ties. It provides a vital platform for enhanced dialogue, collaboration, and coordination on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” he said, adding that over the years, Sierra Leone and Qatar have engaged in productive partnerships, particularly in education, agriculture and infrastructure development.

“This embassy will serve as a bridge for expanding those collaborations, encouraging people-to-people connections that reinforce our bilateral relationship. The Embassy will also facilitate the holding of political and economic consultations between our two countries,” the Ambassador noted.