Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mohamed Rado Swaray, has outlined Sierra Leone’s foreign policy priorities during his maiden Diplomatic Briefing, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to economic diplomacy, multilateralism, peace, stronger international partnerships and the protection of Sierra Leoneans abroad.

The diplomatic engagement, held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Foreign Service Academy, brought together members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, Heads of International Organisations, Government officials, staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as well as selected representatives from the media and civil society.

Following the briefing, the Minister hosted a cocktail reception aimed at strengthening relations between Sierra Leone and its international partners while providing an opportunity for further interaction among members of the diplomatic community and Government officials.

Delivering his maiden Diplomatic Briefing since assuming office, Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray said the engagement provided an important platform to present the direction and priorities of Sierra Leone’s foreign policy.

According to him, the country’s diplomatic engagement will be anchored in the national development agenda and guided by a central principle that “Sierra Leone’s diplomacy must deliver for Sierra Leone.”

He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to pursuing purposeful economic diplomacy designed to attract investment, strengthen bilateral and multilateral partnerships and ensure that Sierra Leone’s international engagements contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Minister also highlighted the protection and welfare of Sierra Leoneans abroad, deeper engagement with the country’s diaspora and the development of a modern and professional Foreign Service as key priorities under his leadership.

He further stressed that international cooperation must support Sierra Leone’s aspirations for peace, security, investment and sustainable national development.

Sierra Leone, he noted, remains committed to multilateralism and the promotion of peace while working closely with its international partners to address shared challenges and pursue opportunities that advance the country’s interests.

The cocktail reception that followed the diplomatic briefing provided an informal setting for Government officials, diplomats, representatives of international organisations and other invited guests to strengthen existing relationships and explore opportunities for deeper cooperation.

Special attention was also given to showcasing Sierra Leone’s culture, hospitality and national identity. The setting at the Foreign Service Academy was prepared to reflect the country’s dignity, warmth and pride, underscoring the importance of how Sierra Leone presents itself to the international community.

Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray emphasized that diplomacy goes beyond formal meetings and negotiations, noting that the manner in which Sierra Leone presents its culture, values and national identity to the world remains an important component of international engagement.

He said the reception offered another opportunity to deepen the bonds of friendship and partnership between Sierra Leone and members of the international community.

Looking ahead, the Minister pledged that Sierra Leone’s engagement with the international community would remain confident, principled and strategic, while being firmly rooted in the national interest.

The maiden Diplomatic Briefing and cocktail reception marked another step in the Minister’s efforts to strengthen Sierra Leone’s diplomatic relations and position the country’s foreign policy as an instrument for investment, international cooperation and sustainable development. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65259