By Samuel Hinga Norman
Freetown, 22nd April 2026- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has launched the Freetown follow-up meeting to the 3rd Joint Commission for Cooperation Session between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Kingdom of Morocco with the theme, “From Vision to Delivery: Deepening Strategic Cooperation between Sierra Leone and Morocco for Sustainable and Inclusive Development, 2026 and beyond.”The event took place on April 22, 2026, at the Ministry’s conference room.
The launch brought together MDAs, the private sector, and delegates from the Kingdom of Morocco, including the Head of Delegates, Mr Abdellah Boutadghart, alongside the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Kabba. The launch marks the beginning of a three-day strategic engagement between the two countries aimed at strengthening ties and partnerships that will benefit both nations economically and socially.
In his remarks, the Minister, Timothy Kabba, opened by welcoming the delegation on behalf of the President and reiterated the Government’s commitment to the bilateral relationship under the Joint Commission for Cooperation, which the country signed as far back as 2003. He said, “this follow up between engagement will provide an opportunity to review progress in the implementation of the six agreements and seven memoranda of understanding concluded during the 2023 JCC.”
He pinpointed that through this meeting, the determination to translate the political goodwill will be achieved. The Minister said that while the trade between the two countries remains modest and is still developing, it has shown encouraging signs of gradual growth in recent years. The Minister also highlighted key sectors where the country is keen on enhancing collaboration. He closed with the expectation that this meeting would ensure that there is a tangible project, that there would be smoother implementation of agreements, and the integration of the private sector through structured business-to-business partnerships.
The Head of the Moroccan Delegates, Abdellah Boutadghart, expressed his appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone and emphasized that the relationship between the Moroccan government and Sierra Leone is one of strong friendship and fraternity that reflects the historical relationship between the two brotherly countries. He said, “The Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Sierra Leone, under the leadership of the two heads of States share a common vision of development based on solidarity…” He acknowledged that during the meetings, the implementation of the 13 agreements will be reviewed, and there will be an opportunity to discuss actions needed to further advance the JCC project. He affirmed that all MDAs must ensure their action plans are reviewed, of which the Moroccan Sierra Leone JCC will capture those reviews and ensure they are shared and included with all Moroccan Ministers.
The opening of the follow-up meeting of the JCC marks the beginning of a renewed phase of cooperation between Sierra Leone and Morocco. It signals a strong commitment by both countries to move from vision to practical delivery through strengthened partnerships, effective implementation of agreements, and inclusive development initiatives that will benefit their citizens.
