Sierra Leone Ethiopia Forge Closer Ties at World Without Hunger Conference

Wednesday, 6 November 2024 – On the sidelines of the World Without Hunger Conference, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio and Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed held a productive meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, with a particular focus on agriculture, industry, and aviation.

The leaders engaged in detailed discussions that highlighted their mutual respect and shared commitment to fostering sustainable development. Prime Minister Abiy shared insights into Ethiopia’s notable agricultural advancements, especially in wheat production and poultry farming, while emphasizing the importance of integrating industrial development with agricultural progress, particularly through agro-processing. He underscored the significance of Ethiopia’s infrastructure investments in driving growth in both the agricultural and industrial sectors.

A key topic of their talks was the enhancement of cooperation in the aviation sector, with Prime Minister Abiy announcing plans to increase the frequency of Ethiopian Airlines flights to Sierra Leone. This initiative aims to strengthen trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two countries, boosting connectivity and opening new avenues for economic collaboration.

Prime Minister Abiy also commended President Bio for his leadership in advocating for Africa’s collective position at the United Nations Security Council, and reiterated his commitment to deepening ties with Sierra Leone.

Expressing his appreciation for the discussions, President Bio remarked, “Our meeting was rooted in a shared commitment to transform agriculture and drive industrial growth. Ethiopia’s remarkable progress in agriculture offers valuable lessons for Sierra Leone, and together, we can chart a path for sustainable development across Africa. I am inspired by Prime Minister Abiy’s leadership and look forward to strengthening our ties, particularly in areas that matter deeply to our people—food security, economic growth, and regional connectivity.”

This bilateral engagement marks a significant step in deepening the relationship between Sierra Leone and Ethiopia, as both nations work to enhance cooperation in key sectors to achieve mutual progress and sustainable development.