President Bio Arrives in Samoa for Commonwealth Meeting

October 22, 2024

Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has arrived in Apia, Samoa's capital, to attend the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), running from October 21 to 26, 2024. This year's meeting is themed “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Commonwealth.”

Upon his arrival at Faleolo International Airport, President Bio was warmly welcomed by Samoa’s Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Afoa Va’ai, along with Sierra Leone's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timothy Musa Kabba, and the country's High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Morie Mayeh.

After exchanging greetings, President Bio was briefed on the event's progress, including side meetings leading up to the main executive sessions. Samoa’s Finance Minister also shared local insights, noting that many villages in Samoa bear names of African countries, including Sierra Leone, symbolizing global connections.

President Bio expressed his gratitude to Samoa for hosting the event and commended their efforts, despite the country’s small population. He also noted the similarities between the weather in Samoa and Sierra Leone, and wished Samoa success in hosting the meeting.

The 27th CHOGM is a key event for the Commonwealth, representing one-third of the world’s population. Leaders will address global challenges such as economic recovery, environmental sustainability, and security. The meeting will also review progress made since the last CHOGM in Rwanda, and leaders will vote for the new Commonwealth Secretary-General.