November 03, 2020 (232News)
FREETOWN – UK Government Under Secretary of State and Commonwealth has heaped praise on the government of President Bio for putting Sierra Leone in a stellar category, globally, in terms of Media Freedom.
James Dudderidge reportedly made this statement in a virtual meeting with Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation recently congratulating the Government of Sierra Leone for repealing the Criminal Libel law.
He also commended the Government of Sierra Leone for its management of the pandemic and thought that the lessons learned from the Ebola Disease pay off
Secretary Dudderidge reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in its socioeconomic development strides, adding that information sharing, financial support, promotion of in-country revenue generation, etc., will constitute key areas of cooperation.
In concluding, Secretary Dudderidge agreed that a conversation between Minister Tunis and Foreign Secretary Raab is necessary before the pending meeting between President Julius Maada Bio and Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
In her statement, Minister Tunis appreciated the opportunity to discuss issues of mutual importance to Sierra Leone and Britain, noting the solid historical relationship that exists between Sierra Leone and Britain.
She thanked the Government and people of Britain for their relentless support to the Government and people of Sierra Leone during the pandemic and beyond.
Minister Tunis also used the opportunity to speak briefly about Sierra Leones international posture in relation to the Governments New Direction trajectory, pointing out that Sierra Leone seeks to harness and deepen partnerships anchored on trade and will equally continue to preserve and strengthen traditional links.
Noting the importance of mutual cooperation and information sharing as a fundamental principle of the relationship between Sierra Leone and Britain. Minister Tunis in her parting remarks underscored the need for such frank conversations to form part of the norm.
