The new Head of the European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone, Ambassador Manuel Müller has paid courtesy call on the Minister of Planning and Economic Development who also doubles as the National Authorising Officer of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Dr. Francis Kai-Kai on Monday, 11TH October, 2021 at the NAO Building, Tower Hill, Freetown.
This was the first meeting since Ambassador Manuel Müller arrived in Sierra Leone to and took over from his predecessor, Ambassador Tom Vens in September, 2021. The courtesy call from the New European Union Head of Delegation to Sierra Leone was to discuss government’s focal sectors financed under the 11th EDF.
In his statement, Ambassador Manuel Müller expressed his encouragement by the good ideas and reforms of the President Bio’s New Direction Government in promoting good governance, human capital development, protecting human rights, and the fight against corruption. He stressed on the long partnership between the EU and Sierra Leone, as demonstrated in the last political dialogue held in July, 2021.
The Ambassador Müller noted that the EU remained committed to continuing to work together with Sierra Leone in strengthening the rule of law, electoral reforms, education, job creation and infrastructure among others. He assured the Minister of his commitment to deepen the EU-Sierra Leone partnership, as also aspired by his predecessor.
The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai warmly welcomed Ambassador Müller, expressing his gratitude for the EU’s long-standing support to Sierra Leone. He said HE President Julius Maada Bio was keen on continuing to implement the governance reforms that positions the country as a vibrant democratic nation that also considers accountability, as a priority.
The Minister explained to the Ambassador the coordinating and supporting role of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development in the implementation of the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2019-2023). He acknowledged that the European Union and the Ministry had been working closely to coordinate the progress they have had over the years.
Dr. Kai-Kai ended by saying that he was hopeful of a progressive working relationship and looking to other areas for further collaboration.
The Ambassador Manuel Müller was accompanied by Gerald Hatler, EU Head of Cooperation in Sierra Leone
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