Parliament Ratifies Three Diplomatic Agreements
The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, unanimously ratified diplomatic agreements between Sierra Leone and others for the development of the world and nations.
The following agreements were approved by Parliament:
- Agreement Between the Government of the Republic Kazakhstan and the Government of Sierra Leone on Exemption from Visa Requirements for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports
- Agreement Under the United Nation’s Convention on the Law of Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Area Beyond National Jurisdiction and
- Combined 6th and 7th Periodic Report on the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child Submitted by the Republic of Sierra Leone Under Article 44 of the Convention.
Presenting a series of international agreements before Parliament, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Kabba, announced a new bilateral cooperation with Kazakhstan. He described the agreement as a significant step in expanding Sierra Leone’s diplomatic relations and creating travel opportunities for citizens.
Regarding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Minister Kabba emphasized the importance of international collaboration in combating climate change.
He noted that Sierra Leone, as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate-related challenges, stands to benefit from global partnerships. He urged Members of Parliament to ratify the agreements presented.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Joseph Williams-Lamin appealed to his colleague MPs to expedite the ratification process. He also called on lawmakers to be mindful of preserving Sierra Leone’s international image through their actions and decisions.
Opposition Whip, Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara from Kambia District, acknowledged several international agreements previously ratified by Parliament. He welcomed the current initiative, describing it as timely and beneficial for the nation.
In rounding up the debate, Opposition Leader, Hon. Abdul Kargbo from Port Loko District, praised the visa exemption agreement with Kazakhstan, calling it a positive diplomatic step that would strengthen bilateral ties. He commended the Minister of Foreign Affairs for his proactive leadership, and also cautioned him against opening the nation’s doors to drug trafficking under the guise of increased international cooperation.
On the Law of the Sea agreement, Hon. Kargbo stated that it would help protect marine biodiversity and support economic diversification. He also welcomed Sierra Leone’s periodic report to the UN, reaffirming the opposition’s commitment to supporting initiatives that serve the national interest.
In conclusion, Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, applauded Minister Kabba for bringing the agreements forward for ratification. He encouraged other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to follow suit and present international agreements for parliamentary approval.
Hon. Tawa further commended the Law of the Sea agreement, highlighting its relevance to national development. He noted that the Periodic Report to the UN reflected significant progress, particularly in the education and healthcare sectors. “The Report speaks volumes about the nation’s achievements,” he concluded.
In another development also, the Parliament of Sierra Leone on Tuesday 22 July 2025 debated and ratified two agreements that were presented by the Minister of Finance, Ahmed Sheku Fantamadi Bangura.
The following agreements were ratified by Parliament:
1.The Debt-Equity Swap Agreement (First Agreement to the Agreement of 16 2012- by and between the Government of Sierra Leone and Sierra Mineral Holdings Limited) and
- Articles of Agreement of the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment Export Credit