AYV News, October 23, 2025
The Islamic Republic of Iran has expressed interest in deepening its relations with Sierra Leone through the creation of a joint political committee, a bilateral commission, and a potential visa-free agreement between the two nations.
The proposal was made by Rasoul Jafari, Director of the Central and West Africa Department at Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a meeting initiated by His Excellency Ambassador Salamu Koroma, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Iran.
Mr. Jafari referenced previous discussions with Ambassador Koroma aimed at developing a one-year roadmap for enhanced cooperation. He assured Sierra Leone of Iran’s continued support and collaboration, adding that Tehran plans to facilitate high-level meetings involving top government and parliamentary officials to strengthen decades-long ties.
He highlighted investment opportunities in health, agriculture, mining, education, and technology, proposing the creation of a joint chamber of commerce and a shared database to promote business exchange.
In response, Ambassador Koroma reaffirmed that relations between the two countries remain strong and productive. He cited recent engagements with key Iranian leaders—including the Speaker of Parliament, the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, and the President of Ahlul Bayt International University, which offered 20 full scholarships to Sierra Leonean students.
Ambassador Koroma stressed that Iran holds vast opportunities that Sierra Leone can tap into and pledged closer cooperation with Iran’s West Africa Department. He conveyed President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to deepening ties, recalling Iran’s early support for Sierra Leone’s agriculture through the supply of tractors during President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah’s era.
He also welcomed the proposed visa-free arrangement, not only for diplomats but for all travelers, saying it would enhance trade, tourism, and cultural understanding. The ambassador endorsed the establishment of the joint political and economic committees and announced plans to lead an Iranian business delegation to Sierra Leone to explore investment opportunities, particularly in agriculture.
