By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy M. Kabba in the performance contract signed with President Julius Maada Bio promised to upgrade foreign relations strategy to promote Sierra Leone’s socio-political, economic, and strategic interests.
Minister Kabba also promised in the contract a higher quality representation in foreign missions as well as increasing foreign direct investments and partnerships; increased flow of foreign aid and private investment to the country.
He also wants to showcase a rebrand image of Sierra Leone that demonstrates commitment to international good governance and vowed to enhance bilateral and multilateral relations to enable credible participation at the global stage.
He highlighted the ministry’s contributions together with the President’s priorities for the current year which include strengthening diplomatic relations through the expansion and increased functionality of Sierra Leone’s foreign Missions by 4% based on strategic need. He promised to make functional Sierra Leone diplomatic Academy through training and capacity development.
The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that they will develop a policy and special career scheme for the appointments of Ambassadors, Special Envoys and Honorary Consuls with the aim of mobilizing young graduates to become career diplomats. He added that the ministry wants to develop and popularize a diaspora policy and initially implement an agribusiness.
He said that if resources are available, the ministry will either implement or oversee the construction of the VIP Suite in Ethiopia, renovation of the Chancery building together with Ambassador’s residence, and Deputy Chief of Mission’s residence in Washington DC. He added that the ministry wants to renovate the Chancery building in Brussels, Chancery and Ambassador’s residence in Berlin, demolish the old Chancery Building in Banjul, renovate the Chancery in Monrovia and construct Sierra Leone’s Annex Building in Accra-Ghana among others.
Minister Kabba pointed out that for managerial and efficiency, the ministry and its agencies will improve domestic revenue generation to the tune of 80 million dollars and ensure compliance with budgetary level and its regulations by 85%.
He further said that the ministry will establish five strategic work partnerships, mobilize external funds to a minimum of USD 1,000,000 (one million dollars) and improve utilization of project funds allocated.
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