Sierra Leone Ambassador to Türkiye Celebrates Country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, Highlights National Progress

Ankara, Türkiye, 27 April 2026 — Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Her Excellency Francess Virginia Anderson, PhD, has marked the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary by highlighting key national achievements and strengthening bilateral ties between Sierra Leone and Türkiye.

Speaking at a commemorative reception under the theme, “Sierra Leone at 65: Building a Responsive, Resilient and Cohesive Nation,” Ambassador Anderson said it was with great honour and profound pride that she welcomed the Turkish Minister of Health, fellow ambassadors, and distinguished guests to the celebration.

“On behalf of His Excellency, President Brigadier (Rtd) Dr Julius Maada Bio, the Government and people of Sierra Leone, and the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Ankara, I extend our sincere appreciation to you all for honouring this important occasion with your presence,” she noted.

The Ambassador said April 27, 1961, remains a defining moment in Sierra Leone’s history, as it marked the nation’s attainment of independence and the beginning of its sovereign journey founded on the enduring principles of freedom, unity, democracy, and self-determination.

She also praised the growing and mutually beneficial relationship between Sierra Leone and Türkiye, noting that cooperation between the two countries continues to deepen across key sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, humanitarian support, and capacity building.

Ambassador Anderson recalled that during the 2026 Antalya Diplomacy Forum, the Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye held constructive discussions with Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister and delegation, including herself. She said the Turkish Vice President commended the Sierra Leone Investment and Trade Seminar organised by the Embassy in Istanbul on 30 May 2025, describing the initiative as laudable and impactful, saying that such engagements were essential in strengthening trade relations, increasing investment flows, and enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations.

Highlighting developments under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration, Ambassador Anderson said Sierra Leone is undergoing a new phase of transformation and economic renewal driven by the government’s “Big Five Game Changers.”

“Sierra Leone is currently undergoing a new phase of transformation and economic renewal under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio. At the core of this transformation are the ‘Big Five Game Changers,’ which are driving national development: Feed Salone – to achieve food security and transform agriculture; Human Capital Development – with major investments in education and health, including the Free Quality Education Programme; Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship – to empower our young population; Technology and Digital Transformation – to enhance innovation and governance; Infrastructure Development – to support economic growth and connectivity.

“These priorities are laying the foundation for a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Sierra Leone, fully aligned with this year’s celebration theme,” she assured.

The Ambassador further noted Sierra Leone’s increasing influence on the regional and global stage, particularly under President Bio’s leadership as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

“Sierra Leone continues to play an important role on the regional and global stage. Under the leadership of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone has demonstrated a strong commitment to regional peace, democratic governance, and stability as the Chairman of ECOWAS. His leadership has been widely regarded as pragmatic and exemplary, particularly during a period of evolving regional challenges.

“Happy 65th Independence Anniversary to the Republic of Sierra Leone. I thank you for your kind attention,” she concluded.

The Turkish Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu, who attended as Guest of Honour and serves as Co-Chair of the Joint Economic Commission between Sierra Leone and Türkiye, congratulated Sierra Leone on the milestone.

He said Sierra Leone was on the right trajectory, pursuing an active and constructive policy aimed at strengthening regional stability and building trust.

The Minister added that Türkiye highly appreciates the efforts of President Julius Maada Bio, who served successfully as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and currently chairs ECOWAS, in advancing regional cooperation.

“At the outset, I would like to convey the greetings, best wishes, and congratulations of our President, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, to the people and the Government of Sierra Leone,” he noted.

For Further Inquiries:
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