By Abdulai Fofanah
Freetown, 23rd September, 2026 – The Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Sierra Leone has celebrated the 96th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reflecting its proud history of unity, culture, heritage, development, and global partnership.
The celebration was held on 21st September 2026 at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown. The Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh; the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Jeneba J. Bangura; ministers; traditional and religious leaders; and others graced the occasion.
Delivering his speech, the first resident Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Saud Al Musaed, expressed gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio and the government of Sierra Leone for their hospitality extended to them since their arrival in the country.
The Ambassador reflected that the opening of the Saudi Embassy in Freetown three years ago and his appointment as the Kingdom’s first resident Ambassador to Sierra Leone marked a landmark development in bilateral relations between the two countries. He extended congratulations to the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz; to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister; and to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Ambassador Saud Al Musaed congratulated Sierra Leone on receiving approval from the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to join the Makkah Route Initiative, which currently includes only 11 countries out of approximately 160 countries around the world. He said the initiative is a comprehensive and pioneering logistical program under the Saudi Vision 2030, to ensure the comfort, security, and safety of pilgrims throughout the Hajj rituals.
(Ambassador Saud Al Musaed)
Highlighting key achievements made during the past few months, Ambassador Musaed noted the ratification of the Air Transportation Cooperation Agreement between the two countries, which will open new opportunities for pilgrims, visitors, tourists, and air cargo services; the completion of procedures related to the Riyadh Hospital project in Sierra Leone, with a capacity of 150 beds, comprehensive medical facilities and equipment, and an estimated cost of $50 million Dollars. “The hospital will provide specialized medical services to millions of people in Sierra Leone,” he said. Preparations had started for an MoU between the Ministries of Interior of the two countries on technical and technological cooperation, in addition to the exchange of wanted persons.
On the Commerce Sector, he said Procedures had begun to prepare an MoU to establish a joint Saudi-Sierra Leone Business Council through the Federation of Saudi Chambers and its counterpart in Sierra Leone. “The council will strengthen business cooperation, attract investment, create trade and economic opportunities, and increase trade exchange and economic growth,” he said.
Highlighting key achievements on Religious and Humanitarian Affairs, the Ambassador noted annual provision of Saudi Dates and sacrificial meat “ADAHI”; Providing Ramadan “IFTAR” meals; support for Qur’an memorization competitions and other community programs; provision of annual Hajj and Umar scholarships under the guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques programme; supporting the National School Feeding program, providing annual scholarships for Sierra Leonean students, among others.
Delivering the keynote speech, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Jeneba J. Bangura, expressed gratitude for the establishment of a resident Saudi Arabia Diplomatic Mission in Freetown. “This permanent presence marks a significant milestone and reflects the growing importance of our bilateral ties,” she said.
Bangura commended the kingdom’s development cooperation and humanitarian support. “We thank the Saudi Fund for Development, King Salam Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, and the Islamic Development Fund for co-financing key national development priorities,” she said. Under President Julius Maddabio, their partnership has deepened, grounded in mutual respect and shared values. “This relationship has advanced further, guided by shared vision for peace, development, and prosperity,” she said. Sierra Leone commends the Saudi government’s vision 2030 as a significant plan for economic diversification and global leadership, stating that the country appreciates the kingdom’s development cooperation and humanitarian support.
(Deputy Minister, Jeneba J. Bangura)
The Deputy Minister also commended the kingdom’s strong support and constructive engagement during Sierra Leone’s tenure as elected non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2024-2025 term. “We look forward to continued engagement with the kingdom as Africa seeks equitable representation in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of the Security Council,” she said. As they deepen their relationship, Sierra Leone invites Saudi public and private entities, including public investments and permanent Saudi conglomerates, to explore and secure investment ecosystem in the country.
