Statement Delivered by H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Hassan Kaisamba at the Opening Session of a Diplomatic Training Programme for Sierra Leonean Diplomats
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey organized a 3-day remote diplomatic training programme for Sierra Leonean Foreign Service Officers, which provided an opportunity for the latter to acquire knowledge on the existing diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and Turkey; and how Turkey promotes its foreign policy towards Africa amongst other things.
Commencing the programme, H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Hassan Kaisamba gave his opening remarks in which he appreciated the Turkish Government for providing the opportunity for his compatriots to gainfully acquire knowledge and skills on their work. He also admonished the trainees to be attentive during the training. He concluded that the Government of President Julius Maada Bio emphasizes the training of human capital development. (The full text of Ambassador Kaisamba is attached).
Other important personalities that participated at the official opening of the training programme were the Turkish Ambassador to the Republic of Sierra Leone and the organizers at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Diplomatic Academy.
Madam Director-General and Ambassador-at-Large
Madam Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Sierra Leone
Organizers of this Diplomatic Training Programme and Participants
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today again marks a milestone in the diplomatic relation between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Republic of Turkey, let me, therefore, extend sincere gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Turkey for the opportunity given to my compatriots for providing this training programme.
As we all know, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of every country (GOVERNMENT) is the principal international voice and as such, is responsible for the pursuit of the Government’s aims and objectives in relations with international partners, as well as the promotion of the national commitment to worldwide peace, security, and economic wellbeing.
In tandem with the current development trajectory of Sierra Leone, in particular, creating pathways towards attaining middle-income status by 2035, the Foreign Ministry has diversified its approach to international cooperation aiming at maximizing both traditional and non-traditional avenues of development cooperation partnerships.
This demonstrates the paradigm shift from traditional or political diplomacy to economic diplomacy, which is being powered by the new operational structure of the Ministry as well as matched by accompanying professional and technical competencies.
The Embassy of Sierra Leone in Turkey will therefore seek to strengthen the Ministry’s human capital development cooperation engagements with friendly countries, such as the Republic of Turkey.
Given that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Sierra Leone places the highest premium on economic diplomacy as a core programme for protecting the national interest, it is expected that this training programme will provide the requisite diplomatic knowledge and skills to facilitate the implementation of the government of President Julius Maada Bio’s human capital development plan.
It is expected that some of you might have certain types of weaknesses in your workplace skills. The good news is there’s always room for improvement. This programme will give everyone the opportunity to improve their skills and build their capacity. With this type of training, weaknesses can turn into strengths.
I, therefore, entreat you all to be attentive and participate fully in this programme for the furtherance of the foreign policy objectives of our country, and transition to a new diplomatic life.
I thank you all for your attention.