Ministry of Foreign Affairs joins Egypt Embassy in Sierra Leone in celebrating its National Day, Reinforces Sierra Leone-Egypt Bilateral Relations

Freetown, July 23, 2026 (SLENA)-The Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Sierra Leone hosted a dignified reception to mark Egypt’s National Day, an occasion that celebrated Egypt’s national heritage while reaffirming the growing ties of friendship and cooperation between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Republic of Sierra Leone.

The event brought together senior government officials, Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Egyptian community in Sierra Leone, and other distinguished guests.

In her remarks, Egypt’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Rasha Soliman Mohi Eldin Soliman, welcomed guests and highlighted the significance of the occasion as a reflection of Egypt’s proud history and its enduring partnership with Sierra Leone. She noted that both countries remain united by shared aspirations for African solidarity, resilience, peace, and sustainable development.

Ambassador Soliman stated that bilateral relations between Egypt and Sierra Leone have continued to gain momentum, particularly following the March 2025 visit of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio to Cairo. She described the visit as a landmark moment that opened new avenues for practical cooperation and mutual advancement.

Among the major achievements highlighted was the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Egyptian Drug Authority and the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, which is expected to strengthen pharmaceutical regulation, support the fight against counterfeit medicines, build local professional capacity, and improve access to safe, high-quality, and affordable healthcare in Sierra Leone.

The Ambassador also pointed to expanding collaboration in defence, security, technical training, and institutional capacity-building, reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development priorities through meaningful partnership.

She further underscored Egypt’s efforts to deepen engagement beyond the capital through sub-national diplomacy and direct community outreach, to ensure that bilateral cooperation translates into tangible benefits at the grassroots level, particularly in education and community development.

Ambassador Soliman also commended the growing spirit of African diplomatic coordination in Freetown. She noted that, in collaboration with fellow African ambassadors and heads of mission, the Embassy of Egypt has continued to support stronger consultation, coordination, and collective engagement among African missions in Sierra Leone.

She referenced the successful celebration of Africa Day in Freetown, describing it as an important expression of shared African identity, unity, and common purpose. According to her, the initiative demonstrated the strength of African diplomacy when guided by solidarity, partnership, and a common vision.

Reflecting on developments in Egypt, Ambassador Soliman said the past year had marked another important chapter in the country’s national journey. She cited the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum and preparations for the African Business Forum in New Alamein City as symbols of Egypt’s confidence, ambition, and commitment to investment, innovation, and sustainable development across the continent.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Honorable Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, extended warm congratulations and best wishes to the Government and people of Egypt.

Minister Kabba described Egypt’s National Day as a commemoration of a defining moment in the country’s modern history and praised Egypt’s longstanding role in promoting African liberation, unity, and pan-African cooperation. He said Egypt continues to occupy an important place in Africa’s political and diplomatic history through its contributions to continental solidarity, peace, and development.

He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s appreciation for the cordial and longstanding relations between the two countries and expressed gratitude for Egypt’s support in sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, water resource management, defense, and technical cooperation.

Minister Kabba further described President Bio’s visit to Cairo as a significant milestone in bilateral relations, noting that the high-level engagement between President Bio and His Excellency President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi created fresh opportunities for collaboration in several strategic areas.

He welcomed the growing medical and pharmaceutical partnership between both countries, especially the agreement involving the Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone and the Egyptian Drug Authority, stating that it would help strengthen Sierra Leone’s healthcare delivery system and enhance the capacity of local health professionals.

On agriculture, the Minister said Sierra Leone looks forward to deepening cooperation with Egypt by drawing on its expertise in irrigation, agronomy, and agribusiness in support of the country’s food security objectives.

Minister Kabba also commended Ambassador Soliman for her dedicated efforts in strengthening bilateral ties and promoting African unity through diplomacy. He praised her role in supporting Africa Day celebrations in Sierra Leone and described the initiative as a valuable contribution to the country’s diplomatic calendar and to the broader cause of African solidarity.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration within the African Union, the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, with the shared goal of addressing common challenges, promoting peace and security, and advancing sustainable development for their peoples.

The reception ended on a note of goodwill and renewed commitment to stronger cooperation, deeper friendship, and lasting partnership between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Arab Republic of Egypt.