The Government of Sierra Leone and the European Union (EU) held their annual Political Partnership Dialogue at State House, Freetown, to review bilateral cooperation and chart a course for future collaboration. The meeting was chaired by President H.E. Dr. Julius Maada Bio, with the EU delegation led by Mr. Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General for External Action.
The dialogue focused on three key areas: democracy and the rule of law, regional and multilateral affairs, and socio-economic partnership. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance, and intensifying the fight against organised crime and transnational threats.
President Bio highlighted Sierra Leone’s growing global role, including its second year as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and its leadership of ECOWAS. The EU expressed support for Sierra Leone’s regional peace and security efforts, emphasizing the importance of maritime security and democratic governance.
On economic cooperation, discussions reviewed progress on Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan and the “Big Five Game Changers,” underscoring the need for fiscal discipline, reforms, and an enabling environment for private sector investment.
The dialogue concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to regular high-level consultations and continued collaboration through the Development Partners Coordination Group (DEPAC).
