Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia Reaffirm Bilateral Ties at Freetown National Day Event

Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their longstanding relationship during a celebration of Saudi Arabia’s 96th National Day held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown on Monday, September 21, 2026.

Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh attended the event as Guest of Honour, joining Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Suad Al Musaed, members of the Saudi Arabian community, diplomats and senior government officials.

Representatives of international organisations and other distinguished guests also attended the gathering, which highlighted cooperation between the two countries in trade, investment, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, education and religious affairs.

Officials highlight expanding cooperation

Ambassador Suad Al Musaed outlined what she described as Saudi Arabia’s expanding support for Sierra Leone. The areas identified included healthcare, education, humanitarian programmes and religious affairs.

In remarks on behalf of President Dr Julius Maada Bio, the Government and people of Sierra Leone, Vice President Jalloh congratulated Saudi Arabia’s leadership and people on the occasion of the National Day.

He also pointed to the potential for productive and sensible investments to create trade and economic opportunities for citizens of both countries. Jalloh reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Saudi Arabia and expanding cooperation in areas that contribute to national development and economic growth.

Call for greater investment

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Madam Jeneba Bangura also congratulated Saudi Arabia’s leadership and people. She commended the Kingdom’s development and humanitarian assistance to Sierra Leone and described Saudi Arabia as an important bilateral partner.

Bangura welcomed increased Saudi investment in agriculture, mining, renewable energy, infrastructure, tourism and human capital development.

The celebration reaffirmed cordial relations between Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia while underscoring the two countries’ stated interest in deepening diplomatic, economic and development cooperation. No specific agreements, funding amounts or investment commitments were detailed in the information available about the event.