AYV News, July 17, 2025
In his determination to promote Economic Diplomacy, focusing on trade opportunities, foreign direct investment, tourism, and promoting Sierra Leone’s image in the Kingdom, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, H. E Mohammed S. Barrie, on Tuesday, 15th July 2025, paid a courtesy call on Dr. Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court and Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief).
During the meeting, Ambassador Barrie conveyed greetings from President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the government, and people of Sierra Leone, commending KSRelief for its strong partnerships and support, including humanitarian assistance, school feeding programs, health, and nutrition initiatives.
Ambassador Barrie highlighted President Bio’s Big Five Gamechangers, which includes FEED SALONE, Human Capital Development, Youth Empowerment, Revamping the Public Service Architecture and Sustained Economic Growth through Technology and Infrastructure.
Ambassador Barrie showcased Sierra Leone as a peaceful, friendly country open to trade and investment, with arable land, and one that is rich natural resources including crude oil.
Key discussion points included:
•The pending state visit of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
•KSRelief’s potential support for the Fatima Maada Bio Foundation’s 600-bed hospital project at the 34 Military Hospital in Freetown
Dr. Al Rabeeah advised the Ambassador to submit a priority list to Engineer Ahmed A. Al Baiz, Assistant Supervisor General of Operations and Programs within two weeks, for consideration.
Ambassador Barrie also requested an increase in Hajj Royal scholarships from 100 to 500 for the 1447/2026 Hajj season, thanking the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for the existing support.
