By Aminaash Nyande Brima, Information Attaché, Sierra Leone Embassy, Rabat, Morocco

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, His Excellency Alhaji Momodu Koroma, has reaffirmed the strong diplomatic ties between Sierra Leone and Morocco, highlighting the numerous opportunities available for further cooperation. Ambassador Alhaji Momodu Koroma made this statement during a courtesy visit by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas and his delegation to the Sierra Leone Embassy in Rabat on Saturday, February 8, 2025.

The Speaker and his delegation were in Morocco to participate in a four-day high-level meeting of Speakers of Parliament from Atlantic African States, which commenced on Wednesday, February 5 and concluded on Saturday, February 8, 2025.

Updating the Speaker on the robust diplomatic relations between the two nations, Ambassador Alhaji Momodu Koroma emphasized that Morocco has consistently demonstrated a commitment to strengthening its ties with Sierra Leone. He noted that the Moroccan Government has gone beyond traditional diplomatic protocols to extend significant support to Sierra Leone. Among these efforts, he highlighted Morocco's establishment of a diplomatic mission in Sierra Leone, with plans for expansion in Freetown.

Ambassador Alhaji Momodu Koroma further disclosed that Sierra Leone has yet to fully capitalize on the vast opportunities offered by Morocco. He revealed that the Moroccan Government annually provides 105 scholarships to Sierra Leonean students. However, he pointed out that the primary challenge preventing full utilization of these scholarships is the language barrier. To address this, an agreement has been reached between the two Governments for a six-month French language training program for Sierra Leonean students at no cost.

In a bid to enhance bilateral cooperation, Ambassador Alhaji Momodu Koroma urged the Speaker of Parliament to engage relevant Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that Sierra Leoneans benefit from Morocco's educational and economic opportunities. He also called on the Sierra Leonean Government to propose Moroccan investment in the country’s Fish Harbour, which he believes would significantly contribute to the nation's socio-economic development.

Additionally, Ambassador Alhaji Momodu Koroma disclosed plans to engage Moroccan private sector investors to support President Julius Maada Bio’s flagship agricultural program. He assured the Speaker that agreements on fisheries, education and tourism had already been established between the two nations, with Morocco ready to honor these commitments.

Impressed by the progress reported by the Sierra Leone Embassy in Morocco, Rt. Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas Speaker expressed the Government's appreciation for Ambassador Koroma’s efforts. He thanked the Embassy staff for their warm reception and commended their dedication to strengthening diplomatic relations.

The Speaker assured Ambassador Alhaji Momodu Koroma that upon his return to Sierra Leone, he would convene a meeting with relevant MDAs to ensure that the available scholarships are fully utilized. He acknowledged the language barrier as a significant hurdle but welcomed Morocco’s willingness to provide French language training for Sierra Leonean students. Rt. Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas further instructed the Ambassador to document all agreements and opportunities to facilitate Government action.

“These are valuable opportunities that we must take advantage of,” he emphasized. “Some of these offers may have been overlooked, but we will ensure they are given the necessary attention. I will personally inform President Bio about all we have discussed.”

Following the successful engagements in Morocco, Rt. Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas and his delegation departed the Kingdom of Morocco on Sunday, February 9, 2025.