By Saio Marrah
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Professor David Francis says Sierra Leone and South Korea will further deepen their bilateral relationship by boosting trade and investment.
He was speaking during commemoration of the 60th anniversary of friendship between Sierra Leone and South Korean, an event that was held at the Freetown City Council’s Lobby on Monday 28th November, 2022.
Prof. Francis said the government of Sierra Leone is interested in building ties with its South Korean counterpart in the Mines, Agriculture, Education, Energy, Tourism and Infrastructure sectors.
He said the private sector has immensely contributed in the rapid transformation of South Korea from low income country to now an industrialised one.
In that vein he said: “In my discussion with the Minister of Trade and Industry, and the Ambassador (South Korea) that we have agreed in the next coming years there will be 20% increase in the Korean private investment established in Sierra Leone,” he said.
Prof. Francis observed that instead of going out begging for aid, the government has now changed “that trajectory” and that it is now focusing on showcasing Sierra Leone to its bilateral and multilateral partners that Sierra Leone is a land of opportunity for trade and investment.
This he said is to enhance collaboration between the countries pointing out that no country has ever developed through aid.
Prof. Francis said both countries will further strengthen their relationship from the usual political sphere to that of building a foundation for credible long term development of the two nations.
He also explained to the South Korean Ambassador how Sierra Leone has now become a significant player in the world stage and the country is Africa’s endorsed candidate for the non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for 2024 and 2025. He expressed the hope that Sierra Leone will secure a vote from South Korea in attaining that UN status.
He also congratulated the two countries for maintaining the bilateral relations that began on the 25th October 1962.
The Foreign Minister also highlighted the support South Korean has been rendering to Sierra Leone, especially during the country’s civil War, and Ebola outbreak.
In his statement the South Korean Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Kim Youngchae said the commemoration will ensure a week-long staging of various colourful events that will include an Exhibition.
He also spoke about the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), opening of the new Honorary Consular Office and joint cultural performances by the two countries, as also some other events planned.
The Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyer, also spoke of how brilliant an idea to observe the anniversary by bringing together the cultural values and trade opportunities of the two nations and for both to learn from each other.
She added that it is because of the strong ties between the two countries that lead to the construction of the Freetown City Hall.
She recalled her visit to Seoul where she noticed how rapidly South Korea has transformed from that of a low income country to an industrialised one, which she said Sierra Leone can also learn from.
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