The Government of Sierra Leone through, the Minister of Development and Economic Planning, Dr Francis Kai -Kai, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the European Public Law Organisation (EPLO) at a ceremony which took place at the Le Plaza Hotel in Brussels, Belgium on the on Saturday 11th February, 2023.
The aim of the EPLO MoU is to promote universal values through Law and Governance and cooperation activities with particular emphasis on further development and enrichment of the public goals and institutions of Sierra Leone in the best interest of its People.
The government of Sierra Leone, committed to Education and the Rule of Law, is seeking to collaborate with the EPLO to promote education, research, training and institution building in every aspect of public life, as prioritized by the Government.
The MOU provides that In the field of Education, the EPLO shall assist the Republic of Sierra Leone in developing courses for the promotion of Excellence, especially through the European Law and Governance School (ELGS), and the international University School of the EPLO.
Within this framework, the EPLO will assist the Republic of Sierra Leone in creating a new generation of high level educated scholars with in-depth knowledge pertaining to Law and Governance and to help in the acquisition of the tools needed for the promotion of dialogue and closer relations with the larger world, including with the European Union.
During the signing session, Professor Spyridon Flogaitis, Chief Executive of EPLO, said he is happy for the attention given to his institution by the government.
He commended President Bio for his practical emphasis in developing the educational sector.
As an international organisation of high repute, he said the EPLO was committed to the ideals of the United Nations where it has a permanent observer status at the General Assembly. The Professor stated that they will support Sierra Leone in its bid for a permanent seat in the UN.
The Chief Executive commended the Ambassador of the Sierra Leone Embassy in Brussels for his longterm active interest in the project which has finally resulted in the signing of the MOU.
In his response, Dr Francis Kai Kai underlined that education is a priority of the government and it is the Flagship agenda of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio whose vision is to ensure that every child is educated to the highest and best of their aptitude.
He maintained that Education undoubtedly remains at the top of the agenda of the Government of Sierra Leone. Therefore, “we are elated that this partnership will give meaning to our agenda while putting premium on education, research, and training for our people”.
The Minister added that with goodwill, and mutual commitment, Sierra Leone will continue to be dedicated to the implementation of the MOU, for the benefits of the people.
Ambassador Samuel Tamba Musa, in his remarks, said Sierra Leone is very much interested in the proposed ideas of education, pointing out that human capital development is the top priority of the President.
The Ambassador spoke about the Foreign Service Academy which he said with the EPLO agreement, will help in enhancing learning, research and teaching.
Part of the EPLO MOU states that the Parties commit themselves to engage in an open, constructive and fruitful cooperation in all possible fields of public life, with special emphasis on Education and positive Reforms for strengthening of the Rule of Law.
Moreover, the Parties intend to promote better understanding of the positive role of the Republic of Sierra Leone in the Region, in Africa and the World, and in its relations with Europe and the world at large.
