By sulaiman.sesay@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – His Excellency Manuel Alexander Muller, the Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Sierra Leone, has reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting the Government of Sierra Leone’s National Medium Term Development Agenda (MTNDP), underscoring the pivotal role of cooperation in driving sustainable growth and development.
Ambassador Muller, alongside two other resident ambassadors, German Ambassador Jens Kraus Masse and Irish Ambassador Aidan Fitzpatrick, conveyed the EU’s unwavering dedication to advancing Sierra Leone’s development trajectory during a press lunch held at the Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
Highlighting the EU’s longstanding partnership with Sierra Leone, Ambassador Muller lauded the country’s strides in peace-building, governance, human rights, and economic development since emerging from civil conflict. He emphasized that the EU’s support over the past two decades has been instrumental in fostering peace, stability, and inclusive growth in Sierra Leone.
Ambassador Muller underscored the shared values underpinning the EU-Sierra Leone partnership, emphasizing the collaborative efforts to address mutual interests, including governance, democracy, human rights, and business climate enhancement. He highlighted the recent constructive dialogue between EU representatives and President Bio, which reaffirmed both parties’ commitment to partnership and cooperation.
Reflecting on past achievements, Ambassador Muller cited the EU’s impactful contributions to sectors such as education, agriculture, and infrastructure, which have positively impacted the lives of Sierra Leonean citizens.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Muller outlined the EU’s vision for continued collaboration under the Team Europe approach, emphasizing people-centered interventions aimed at fostering sustainable development and job creation, particularly for women and youth.
Ambassador Muller stressed the EU’s belief in private sector investment as a catalyst for economic growth, noting its cross-cutting importance across various development initiatives, including the Feed Salone project.
Furthermore, Ambassador Muller elaborated on the EU’s Global Gateway Africa-Europe Initiative, which seeks to enhance infrastructural development, digital connectivity, and sustainable energy networks across Africa.
Reiterating the EU’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development agenda, Ambassador Muller highlighted key priority areas, including green transition, sustainable energy, climate resilience, and human development.
Ambassador Muller also shed light on ongoing and upcoming EU-funded initiatives in Sierra Leone, such as the Spotlight Initiative project, Business Environment and Competitiveness for Salone, and Nature Nourishes. He emphasized the EU’s collaborative approach, working closely with the Sierra Leonean government, civil society organizations, and the UN to implement impactful projects aligned with national development priorities.
Also, Ambassador Muller affirmed the EU’s readiness to continue its partnership with Sierra Leone, leveraging its expertise, resources, and collaborative networks to drive inclusive and sustainable development in the country. SKS/18/4/2024