On Monday, Ali Ibrahim Alhajie, Head of Mission for Saudi Arabia, celebrated the 94th National Day with a gathering of stakeholders and government officials at the Radisson Blu in Aberdeen. He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ongoing development assistance in Sierra Leone.
In his speech, Alhajie expressed gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio and the Sierra Leonean government for strengthening diplomatic ties. He highlighted key initiatives aimed at fostering development, including:
- A commitment of $35 million in financial assistance
- Scholarships for 100 students to study in Saudi Arabia
- An agreement to construct Riyadh Hospital
- Infrastructure development for the University of Sierra Leone, particularly Fourah Bay College
- Plans for a new Saudi Embassy
- A significant donation of Qurans for Islamic scholars in Sierra Leone
“For Sierra Leone, we will provide a large quantity of Qurans for scholars and students,” Alhajie stated.
He also recognized President Bio’s active role in the UN Security Council and participation in the OIC summit, which included an agreement for Saudi Air Services operations.
Alhajie emphasized that these initiatives would enhance bilateral relations and contribute to peace and security in Africa.
Francess Alghali, Acting Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, highlighted the importance of Sierra Leone’s partnership with Saudi Arabia and expressed hopes for further cooperation, especially regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The celebration concluded with a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony by Alhajie and Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, symbolizing unity and shared purpose between the two nations.
