AYV News, November 4, 2026
Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, has reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran following a courtesy visit by Iranian Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Javad Dehghan.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the Parliament of Sierra Leone, focused on deepening parliamentary diplomacy, enhancing legislative cooperation and promoting economic development between the two countries.
Ambassador Dehghan, who was received by Speaker Thomas in the presence of Opposition Leader Hon. Abdul Kargbo and Deputy Opposition Leader Hon. Daniel Brima Koroma, called for stronger parliamentary engagement and extended an invitation for an exchange visit between the two legislatures.
The Ambassador requested that Speaker Thomas constitute a parliamentary delegation to visit his Iranian counterpart and the Parliament of Iran, expressing confidence that such an exchange would further strengthen bilateral relations.
He also reaffirmed Iran’s readiness to expand cooperation with Sierra Leone in parliamentary engagement, diplomacy and economic development. Recognizing the existing Sierra Leone-Iran Parliamentary Friendship Group, Ambassador Dehghan pledged his support for its revitalization and effective functioning.
During the meeting, the Ambassador briefed the parliamentary leadership on challenges facing Iran amid regional tensions, including the implications of the conflict involving the United States and Israel. He emphasized Iran’s commitment to peace, dialogue, mutual respect and international cooperation.
In response, Speaker Thomas welcomed the Ambassador and expressed appreciation for the visit, describing Sierra Leone and Iran as countries with longstanding friendly relations.
He assured the Ambassador that the Sixth Parliament would continue to strengthen the diplomatic ties between the two nations and confirmed his willingness to meet with the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament and lead a delegation to Iran at a mutually convenient time.
Speaker Thomas also reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to peace, parliamentary diplomacy and South-South cooperation.
The courtesy call concluded with both sides expressing renewed determination to strengthen legislative exchanges and promote shared values through parliamentary friendship and cooperation.
