The Brigadier met with Lt General Keita DCDS to discuss the Brigades ongoing partnership with the Republic of Sierra Leone’s Armed Forces (RSLAF). In his meeting with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Gibril Sesay.  Dep.  Minister Sesay conveyed the high regard in which the UK is held by Sierra Leone, describing it as a ‘special relationship’.  Brigadier Collins to re-enforced the UK’s continued commitment to supporting the RSLAF and Sierra Leone.

Brigadier Collins visited the Armed Forces Training Centre at Benguema, to see at first hand  troops from the Queen’s Dragoon Guards, who have been conducting army training tasks with the RSLAF.. The Queen’s Dragoon Guards currently have two other such projects running in Bo and Makeni. The Brigadier was impressed by the level of close cooperation and training between the UK training troops (led by Major Brian Nicholas QDG), and the RSLAF troops.

Brigadier Collins said “Clearly there remains some challenges and opportunities for the UK military and RSLAF, but overall the visit has been a success. I am particularly reassured with the close relationship that the UK military enjoys with the RSLAF, especially that of ISAT (International Security and Advisory Team). I agree with Dep Foreign Affairs Minister Sesay, that it is a ‘special relationship’, one that will endure and flourish.

At this time of Remembrance, when we all take time to reflect and give thanks, for the men and women of both countries who gave their lives for peace, we should remain focussed and understand that peace is a desire of all of military from both countries and through cooperation and close working relations, we hope to ensure continued progress and peace from the good people of Sierra Leone.”