Iranian Ambassador Bids Farewell to President Bio

The outgoing Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Sierra Leone, H.E. Seyed Khalil Sadati Amiri, officially bade farewell to the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Julius Maada Bio, on a visit at State House on Wednesday August 13, 2025 marking the final phase of his diplomatic assignment in Freetown during which bilateral ties grew stronger.

Presenting the Ambassador to the President, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, described the occasion as a moment of pride and gratitude, noting the Ambassador’s consistent engagement in strengthening bilateral ties during his tenure.

Reflecting on his three years in Sierra Leone, Ambassador Sadati Amiri recalled that upon presenting his credentials to President Bio, they identified key areas to deepen cooperation between the two countries.

He highlighted his role in supporting the government’s Human Capital Development programme through granting full scholarships to Sierra Leonean students to study in Iran, as well as the establishment of a nursing school that has broadened the scope of bilateral engagement, particularly in education.

Ambassador Sadati Amiri emphasized that the main achievements in bilateral relations in the past three years have been in the fields of healthcare, education, and strengthening human resources—all in line with the 5 Game Changers of the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

The Ambassador also pointed to efforts by the Embassy towards facilitating the purchase of a property for the Red Crescent Medical Center so that after years of operating in rental locations, the Iranian clinic can expand its services in a new permanent spot as a specialized medical center.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has made great progress in the fields of agriculture, medicine and nanotechnology. Sierra Leone's potentials in the field of agriculture is significant. Considering the small population and the climate of this country, self-sufficiency in rice, the staple food, is quite accessible,” he noted.

The outgoing Ambassador expressed optimism for enhanced collaboration in education, agriculture, medicine, and other priority sectors between the two nations and suggested that the President encourage the Ministers of Agriculture and Trade and Industry to visit Iran to gain first-hand knowledge of the existing potentials.

President Bio thanked the Ambassador for his service, describing him as a true partner who used diplomacy to deliver tangible results. He acknowledged the bilateral contributions in human capital development and healthcare, noting that they have yielded measurable benefits for Sierra Leone.

“There are difficult times around the world. For you to maintain and deepen the relationship between our two countries while bringing key development to Sierra Leone is vital, and we appreciate it dearly,” President Bio said. “Particularly in human capital development and the health sector, your contributions have had real impact.”

Looking ahead, the President expressed hope that the Ambassador’s successor would build on the strong foundations laid. “There is quite a lot for us to learn from you in technology, medicine, education, and agriculture, among others,” he noted.

“On behalf of the government and people of Sierra Leone, I want to thank you for everything you have done as the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Sierra Leone. I wish you success in your next mission, and be assured you are always welcome here,” the President concluded.