Indian High Commissioner Shares Development Opportunitirs For Sierra Leoneans
By Kadiatu Sankoh
The Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Bockarie Abdel-Aziz Bawoh, recently held a strategic meeting with the Indian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, His Excellency B. C. Pradhan, and the Head of Chancery, Mr. Neeraj Kumar Saini. The discussion centered on strengthening bilateral relations, fostering cultural exchange, and exploring opportunities for collaboration between Sierra Leone and India.
During the meeting, Deputy Minister Bawoh expressed appreciation for India’s longstanding diplomatic and economic engagements with Sierra Leone. He emphasized the country’s well-known hospitality and its openness to forging stronger partnerships with key international allies. Acknowledging India’s significant role on the global stage, he stated that Sierra Leone considers India a strategic partner in areas such as education, information dissemination, and civic engagement. He further noted that Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education, which is relatively new, is eager to establish meaningful collaborations that would enhance its capacity to promote national unity and civic awareness.
In highlighting the ministry’s mandate, Deputy Minister Bawoh reiterated that President Dr. Julius Maada Bio entrusted the ministry with the crucial responsibility of fostering national cohesion and ensuring that citizens remain well-informed about governance and development initiatives. He underscored the importance of fostering people-to-people ties and leveraging international partnerships to advance the ministry’s objectives. As part of the discussions, he inquired about the availability of Indian visa services in Sierra Leone, recognizing the importance of easy access to visas for Sierra Leoneans seeking educational, business, and diplomatic engagements in India.
Responding to the inquiry, Mr. Neeraj Kumar Saini conveyed gratitude for the warm reception and noted that Sierra Leone was his first diplomatic posting in Africa. He commended the hospitality of the Sierra Leonean people and assured the deputy minister of his commitment to reinforcing diplomatic ties between the two countries. He also confirmed that Indian visas are available online, making the application process accessible and straightforward for Sierra Leoneans wishing to travel to India for various purposes.
High Commissioner B. C. Pradhan further elaborated on the robust educational opportunities available in India. He highlighted India’s extensive academic programs, ranging from technical and vocational training to postgraduate and PhD studies, which could greatly benefit Sierra Leonean students and professionals. He encouraged the Ministry of Information and Civic Education to explore these opportunities and facilitate information-sharing with potential beneficiaries. Recognizing the importance of knowledge exchange, he underscored India’s commitment to supporting capacity-building initiatives that would empower Sierra Leonean citizens with relevant skills and expertise.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties reaffirming their dedication to deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest. They emphasized the need to enhance educational partnerships, promote cultural exchange programs, and explore avenues for broader diplomatic collaboration. The discussions reinforced the strong foundation of friendship between Sierra Leone and India, paving the way for future engagements that would contribute to the growth and development of both nations.