The Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), His Excellency Moussa Saleh Batraki, has paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at State House, where both leaders discussed the importance of strengthened collaboration among member states to reinforce the mission and relevance of the organisation.
Leading the discussion, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Musa Timothy Kabba, expressed his appreciation to President Bio for granting the audience. He noted that the Secretary-General was in Sierra Leone to provide updates on the organisation’s activities and to formally introduce himself to the President.
In his statement, Secretary-General Batraki thanked President Bio for the warm reception and confirmed that this was his second official visit to Sierra Leone. He explained that he was in the country to formally inform the President of his assumption of office as Secretary-General of the OACPS.
“Your Excellency, as the Secretary-General of OACPS, I am willing to serve under your advice, with a vision to rebuild trust in our organisation and strengthen our strategic partnership with the European Union,” he stated.
He acknowledged the organisation’s current challenges, but assured President Bio that his five-year mandate would focus on capacity building and strengthening the organisation.
“Your Excellency, your leadership has been a great source of inspiration, especially your strides in human capital development, free quality education, and your steadfast commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality. On behalf of our member states, I wish to express our profound appreciation and eagerness to follow your leadership direction,” he added.
Secretary-General Batraki further noted that one of the key objectives of his visit was to learn from President Bio’s leadership approach, particularly in the areas of human capital development and South-South cooperation. “Your Excellency, through your leadership and guidance, we are here to listen and learn from your vision for Sierra Leone,” he affirmed.
In his remarks, President Julius Maada Bio warmly welcomed the Secretary-General and his delegation to Sierra Leone and congratulated him on his appointment.
“On behalf of the government and people of Sierra Leone, I wish to reaffirm our commitment to the goals and aspirations of the OACPS. We stand ready to support your leadership and contribute to the success of our shared mission,” President Bio said.
He commended the Secretary-General’s decision to personally engage member countries, stating that the world is evolving rapidly, often silently, and such engagements are essential to ensure alignment and mutual support.
President Bio emphasized the need for continued collaboration among member countries to reinforce the relationship between OACPS and the European Union.
“Sierra Leone remains steadfast in its commitment and will continue to encourage other member countries to uphold their responsibilities to ensure the success of our organisation,” he assured.
