Ambassador Dr. Francess Virginia Anderson (PhD) Engages the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General for West & Central Africa, Mrs Cenk, on Military and Economic Cooperation
Ankara, 30th January 2025 – In a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, Her Excellency Dr Francess V. Anderson, Ambassador of the Republic of Sierra Leone to Türkiye, met with the Director General (Mrs Cenk) for West & Central Africa at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussions centered on reinforcing military cooperation, reviving economic agreements, and fostering investment opportunities between the two nations.
*Strengthening Military Cooperation*
The meeting highlighted the two military framework agreements that have been ratified by both Sierra Leone and Türkiye. These agreements, which form the foundation of defense collaboration, underscore the commitment of both governments to enhancing security ties and strategic cooperation. The Ambassador and the Director General reaffirmed their mutual interest in ensuring the effective implementation of these agreements, which are expected to bolster military training, technical support, and capacity building.
*Revitalizing the 2012 Trade Agreement*
Another critical issue discussed was the trade agreement signed between Sierra Leone and Türkiye in 2012. The Ambassador emphasized the need to revive and operationalize this agreement, which holds significant potential for expanding trade volumes and fostering commercial partnerships between businesses in both countries. She expressed her determination to work closely with relevant Turkish authorities and the private sector to create a conducive environment for mutual economic growth.
*Promoting Investment Through Reciprocal Agreements*
The meeting also addressed the need to finalize and revive discussions on a draft agreement on reciprocal promotion and protection of investment. The Ambassador, Dr Francess V. Anderson underscored the importance of such an agreement in providing legal frameworks and guarantees for Turkish investors looking to invest in Sierra Leone, as well as for Sierra Leonean businesses exploring opportunities in Türkiye. She called for adequate discussions on this matter to facilitate a win-win investment climate.
*Investment Seminar to Showcase Opportunities in Sierra Leone*
The Ambassador provided an overview of an upcoming Investment Seminar, scheduled to be hosted by the Sierra Leone Embassy in the second quarter of 2025. She highlighted that the event will serve as a platform to engage Turkish investors and state actors, informing them about the ‘‘Big Five Game Changers” championed by H.E. President Julius Maada Bio. These key national priority areas will offer insight into the most promising sectors for investment in Sierra Leone, ensuring that participants are well-equipped with the necessary information to explore potential business opportunities. In response, the Director General welcomed the initiative and assured the Ambassador of her presence at the seminar, affirming Türkiye’s commitment to fostering stronger economic ties with Sierra Leone.
*Commitment to Continued Collaboration*
The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on bilateral and multilateral cooperation, with the Director General reaffirming her office’s availability to provide any necessary assistance to the Ambassador in the execution of her diplomatic mission. Both parties expressed optimism about deepening relations between Sierra Leone and Türkiye across various sectors, paving the way for a more robust and mutually beneficial partnership.
This high-level diplomatic engagement underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Türkiye, enhancing trade and investment opportunities, and fostering deeper security collaboration.
For Further Inquiries: Sierra Leone Embassy Ankara, Türkiye
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