By Sulaiman Jalloh
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Sierra Leone’s Vice President 28 July 2025 continued his high-level diplomatic engagements in London with a pivotal meeting at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), there; he held talks with the UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, focused on reinforcing the enduring partnership between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom.
The discussions covered key areas including diplomacy, immigration, trade, investment, and sustainable development.Lord Collins warmly welcomed the Vice President and his delegation, commending Sierra Leone for its leadership in regional peace, stability, and democratic governance.
We deeply value Sierra Leone as a strategic partner in West Africa and across the Commonwealth, he said, this is an opportunity to explore fresh avenues for collaboration.
Vice President Jalloh expressed appreciation for the UK’s ongoing support, particularly through the FCDO and British International Investment (BII). He briefed Lord Collins on recent progress under President Julius Maada Bio’s Five Game Changers agenda, which prioritizes human capital development, food security, youth employment, technology, and infrastructure.
The UK has been a vital partner in Sierra Leone’s development journey, said Dr. Jalloh, we now seek to deepen this partnership particularly in areas such as investment, justice sector reform, and institutional capacity building.
Migration was another key topic. Dr. Jalloh shared insights on the socio-economic drivers of irregular migration, stressing the need for joint efforts to tackle the issue at its root.
We must look beyond the symptoms and address the underlying causes of irregular migration through comprehensive, coordinated action, he noted.
On the trade and investment front, the Vice President referenced his earlier discussions with the CEO of BII, emphasizing the potential for increased UK private sector engagement in Sierra Leone’s energy, infrastructure, and financial sectors.
There is tremendous opportunity for UK companies in Sierra Leone’s growing markets, he added, we are committed to attracting responsible investors focused on inclusive and sustainable growth.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both sides to strengthen bilateral cooperation across trade, governance, security, and education, reaffirming the historic and forward-looking relationship between Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom.
Vice President Jalloh was accompanied by H.E. Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the UK; Mrs. Yvonne King Odigboh, Deputy High Commissioner; and other senior officials.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday,30th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
