The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Alie Kabba together with his delegation have arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the 46th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on the 1st and 2nd March 2019.
The OIC is the collective voice of the Muslim Ummah and seeks to protect the interests of the Muslim world and, to also foster peace, security, stability and harmony.
As one of the largest Inter-governmental Organization, after the United Nations and the Group of 77 and China, the OIC’s Council of Foreign Ministers meet once a year to examine the implementation of decisions taken within the summit policy framework.
The theme for this year’s Council of Foreign Ministers is “Fifty Years of Islamic Cooperation: A Road map for Prosperity and Development”. A major outcome will be setting the tone for the 14th Islamic Summit Conference due to be held later this year.
The deliberations, over the next two days are expected to cover political developments affecting member states; Humanitarian Matters; the OIC’s 2025 Programme of Action; and Reform of the Organization.
It will be noted that, Minister Kabba has, in the new year, embarked on a vigorously robust drive of promoting and projecting the Foreign policy orientation of the New Direction. This is with a view to market the country to be able to attract foreign direct investment. The 46th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers offers yet another opportunity to showcase Sierra Leone’s in the international arena.
Sierra Leone’s representation at the Ministerial level will further enhance the country’s international profile and lend credence to the commitment of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio (GCRSL) in strengthening Sierra Leone’s multilateral diplomacy.
On the margins of the meeting, the Foreign Minister is scheduled to hold a number of bilateral meetings to explore opportunities for investment and trade in Sierra Leone.