The Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Ohashi Keita, has paid a courtesy visit to Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Iran, His Excellency Salamu Koroma.
During the meeting, Mr. Keita commended Ambassador Koroma for his positive diplomatic engagements, noting that many of his diplomatic colleagues have spoken highly of the Sierra Leonean envoy. He said this motivated him to reach out and explore ways to strengthen collaboration between the Embassy and UNFPA.
Mr. Keita highlighted the longstanding partnership between Sierra Leone and UNFPA, which spans over five decades. Through this collaboration, the organization has provided comprehensive technical support to the Government of Sierra Leone and its partners in implementing programs that enhance sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, population management, and youth empowerment. He reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to continue strengthening these areas of cooperation.
In his response, Ambassador Koroma expressed deep appreciation for the visit and the kind sentiments shared by Mr. Keita. He noted that diplomacy is a continuous learning process and emphasized his readiness to work closely with UNFPA on matters of mutual interest and concern.
The Ambassador, while acknowledging Mr. Keita’s Japanese nationality, extended appreciation to the Government of Japan for its support in capacity-building efforts and other development initiatives through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He also commended the vital role played by UNFPA in advancing reproductive health and addressing demographic challenges areas, he noted, that remain central to Sierra Leone’s national development agenda.
Mr. Keita expressed delight at the strong ties between his country and Sierra Leone, reaffirming Japan’s and UNFPA’s continued commitment to deepening cooperation with African nations, particularly Sierra Leone.
The meeting ended on a note of mutual understanding, with both sides expressing optimism for stronger collaboration in the years ahead.
