By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador-Designate to the Republic of Guinea, Mr. Mohamed Foday Yumkellah, has formally bade farewell to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at State House following the completion of all diplomatic protocols and the presentation of his letters of credence.
on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 Mr. Yumkellah, who will also serve with concurrent accreditation to Mali, used the occasion to express deep appreciation for the trust and confidence reposed in him by the President. He also extended heartfelt congratulations to President Bio on his recent election as Chairperson of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
I am honored by this appointment and deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve. I pledge to promote and strengthen the longstanding bilateral relationship between Sierra Leone and Guinea. Though I anticipate challenges, I am confident in our ability to turn those challenges into opportunities for mutual benefit, Ambassador Yumkellah stated.
The Ambassador-Designate reaffirmed his commitment to upholding Sierra Leone’s foreign policy goals and enhancing regional cooperation, particularly in light of President Bio’s new leadership role within ECOWAS.
In his response, President Bio congratulated Mr. Yumkellah on his new diplomatic assignment and acknowledged his experience and familiarity with the demands of the role. The President expressed confidence in the Ambassador-Designate’s ability to advance Sierra Leone’s interests abroad.
“You are not a stranger to diplomacy, and I trust you will represent Sierra Leone with dedication and professionalism,” President Bio remarked, this assignment comes at a critical time, and I expect you to help deepen our ties with Guinea while supporting my broader regional agenda. My doors remain open should you need guidance or clarification.”
The farewell meeting marked the final step before Mr. Yumkellah officially assumes his post in Conakry, where he is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering diplomatic, economic, and cultural collaboration between Sierra Leone and its neighbor.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday,11th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
