MoPED, Tower Hill, Freetown, June 18th, 2020— The Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to Sierra Leone, Lesley Ní Bhriain, paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai at his Tower Hill office, in Freetown.
According to the Ambassador, the visit was to discuss Ireland’s support for the Government of Sierra Leone COVID-19 response in sectors such as, nutrition, gender, education, governance and human rights responses implemented through multilateral organizations and non-governmental organizations. She further informed the Minister of Ireland’s new policy for international development, “One World, One Future”, of which Sierra Leone was one of the key beneficiary countries worldwide, which supports President Julius Maada Bio’s Agenda of “Leaving-No-One-Behind”.
Ambassador Ní Bhriain said even with the impact of the COVID19, they needed a renewed effort towards the realization of the Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP 2019-2023), as the country has to deliver in a slightly different way to get back to deliver on the MTNDP (2019-2023), since this was the year of delivery.
Welcoming the Irish Ambassador, the MoPED, Dr. Francis Kai-Kai noted the important role Ireland plays to support the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said they were excited that Ireland was able to accept and support the government’s Quick Action Emergency Response Plan (QAERP) to enhance the economic impact of the restrictive measures on households of the most vulnerable population.
Dr. Kai-Kai said the need to deepen cooperation with Development partners, especially the NGO’s was critical for all of them. He said government’s policy of working with NGO’s and deepening the relationship was a game-changer in filling very important gaps in the country’s development process.
“Our focus is to see how we can harness the organizations you support and get them to focus on government’s agenda on the ground, in all districts. This will enhance the socio-economic development of the country through innovative cooperation and business development initiatives”, said Minister Kai-Kai.
The Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Robert Chakanda, while giving his experience gained during the introduction of NGO leads around the country, noted the significant role NGO’s played in most vulnerable communities in the provinces, including those supported by the Irish government
Other dignitaries in attendance were Mary O’ Neill, the Head of Development, Embassy of Ireland, Peter Sam-Kpakra, the Development Secretary, MoPED among others.
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