President Ernest Bai Koroma visits Israel in a first-ever visit to Israel by a Sierra Leonean President
Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Bai Koroma visits Israel in hopes to “rekindle” his country’s relationship with Israel.
“Sierra Leone and Israel relations pre-date independence of both countries, and like many long-standing relationships, we have experienced some turbulence. But history has taught us that while we may remember, we may do well not to dwell on the dull moments, especially when the lights of the bright movements continue to sparkle.” Said President Koroma
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma in Jerusalem, where they discussed the possibility of an Israeli delegation to Sierra Leone, to evaluate assistance in Water, communications, energy and security.
I met in Jerusalem with president of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma. Israel is coming back to Africa, and Africa is coming back to Israel. pic.twitter.com/pUQuIVKL9q
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) January 11, 2017
Prime Minister Netanyahu congratulated the African country for containing the outbreak of Ebola and mentioned Israel’s assistance in the efforts, which include sending medical assistance and provided Sierra Leone with a field hospital, and also contributed $10 million to the Ebola aid fund
The Israel leader also expressed his country’s wishes in assisting in Sierra Leone rebuild from the ruins of a civil war.
Israel is working towards re-establishing its relations with Africa. Netanyahu visited East Africa last year, the first sitting Israeli prime minister to do so since 1987
“..You know that Israel is coming back to Africa in a big way, and Africa is coming back to Israel. You’re in West Africa. We intend to visit it at least once, possibly twice, this year for a gathering of leaders, so this will be an opportunity to meet you again as this one is an opportunity to further strengthen our ties. Welcome.” Said Prime Minister Netanyahu
Sierra Leone is seeking greater cooperation in the various aspects of socio-economic development which including in agriculture, in water, ICT, defense and security.
President Koroma extended an invitation to the Israel PM to visit Sierra Leone in his next tour of Africa
Great privilege to join @AmbGilHaskel at dinner with President Koroma of #SierraLeone🇸🇱 discussing amazing projects by @MASHAVisrael 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/0JsLrSazeu
— Eli Lipshitz 🇮🇱 (@EliLipshitz) January 11, 2017
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met today in Jerusalem with President of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koromahttps://t.co/ewf8goXKVV pic.twitter.com/LuiF1ITBpr
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 11, 2017
