Ambassador of the French Republic to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Briard Luc, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at State House in Freetown. The visit served as a reaffirmation of the strong diplomatic ties between Sierra Leone and France, and highlighted shared aspirations in the areas of development, international cooperation, and sustainable growth.
During the meeting, Ambassador Luc expressed admiration for President Bio’s exemplary leadership and his unwavering dedication to Sierra Leone’s progress. He acknowledged the strides the country has made under the President’s guidance, particularly noting the increased visibility and recognition that Sierra Leone has earned on the international stage. A key example cited was Sierra Leone’s active role and growing influence at the United Nations Security Council, where the nation continues to contribute meaningfully to global peace and security discussions.
Ambassador Luc also took the opportunity to brief President Bio on the forthcoming United Nations Ocean Conference, scheduled to be held in Nice, France, in June. He shared his anticipation of President Bio’s participation and his expected statement at the high-level event. The conference, which aims to advance the global agenda on ocean conservation and sustainable development, is seen as a critical platform for collaborative action to address the challenges facing the world’s oceans. The Ambassador underscored the importance of Sierra Leone’s voice in these conversations, especially given the country’s rich marine resources and commitment to sustainable environmental practices.
In response, President Bio extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Luc and expressed gratitude for the visit. He emphasized the enduring friendship between Sierra Leone and France, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations. The President noted that the collaboration between the two countries has the potential to yield significant benefits, not only in diplomacy, but also across strategic sectors such as investment, security, education, agriculture, and environmental management.
President Bio also reflected on his engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron, describing them as fruitful and forward-looking. He reiterated his belief in the value of strong international partnerships and emphasized that the relationship between Sierra Leone and France continues to evolve positively, driven by shared values and mutual respect.
The meeting between Ambassador Luc and President Bio highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts by both nations to deepen cooperation and promote common goals. It reflects a shared vision for sustainable development, regional stability, and a commitment to effective multilateralism in addressing global challenges.