United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has praised President Dr Julius Maada Bio for his leadership in promoting national unity, regional cooperation and multilateral engagement.
Mr Guterres gave the commendation when he met President Bio at the UN Headquarters in New York on the margins of the 81st UN General Assembly.
During the meeting, the UN Chief commended Sierra Leone for its work as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council from 2024 to 2025. He said Sierra Leone helped to promote consensus and contributed to international peace and security during its tenure.
He also said he supports calls for more African representation in the Security Council and other global institutions, including international financial institutions.
In his response, President Bio thanked Mr Guterres for his leadership of the UN and for his support to Sierra Leone and Africa.
He said Sierra Leone appreciated the support it received from the UN Secretariat during its two years on the Security Council, which helped the country to play its role effectively.
The President also welcomed Mr Guterres’ support for a more representative Security Council that gives Africa a stronger voice.
The two leaders also discussed regional cooperation through ECOWAS. President Bio thanked the UN for its partnership with ECOWAS during his time as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government.
“I thank you for the strong partnership between the UN and ECOWAS during my chairmanship, as well as for Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s participation in our summit in Lungi,” President Bio said.
He informed the Secretary-General about plans to host the West Africa Integration and Investment Summit in Lungi to boost investment and integration in the region.
President Bio also noted that as Mr Guterres approaches the end of his tenure, Sierra Leone will remember his commitment to multilateralism, to Africa and to the most vulnerable.
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