During an engagement between the Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Dr Ibrahim Jalloh and the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman in Riyadh, His Highness Faisal bin Turki Al Seed, several matters of interest were discussed, including the plight of maids working in the country, as well as areas of investment where both countries can derive mutual benefits. A mutual agreement was reached to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries, during the courtesy call by Ambassador Jalloh on his Omani counterpart on Tuesday 2nd March 2021.
In his welcoming remarks, the Ambassador of Oman, Faisal bin Turki Al Seed congratulated Ambassador Jalloh on his presentation of Credentials to the Sultan of Oman on 18th February 2021.
Prince Faisal articulated his country’s desire to strengthen stronger bilateral relations with Sierra Leone, “especially in the areas of labour, tourism, academic exchange programmes and investment. We are ready to work with your Government to ensure that this is realized,” he assured.
The Ambassador of Oman said that he was aware that the Sierra Leone Mission in Saudi Arabia had concerns about the issue of Sierra Leonean maids in Oman. He said he was looking forward to having a mutual agreement in the areas of the nature of jobs, conditions of service, duration of work, training and orientation for Sierra Leoneans wanting to live and work in Oman.
On his part, Ambassador Jalloh commended his counterpart for the kind gesture. He said the presentation of Letters of Credence was a manifestation of his country’s willingness to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation between the two friendly countries. He said during his visit to Oman, he also visited the Ministry of Labour and requested templates of agreement of cooperation.
Ambassador Jalloh told his counterpart that he needs statistics of Sierra Leoneans serving as maids in Oman.
By Abubakarr Salieu Bah
Information Attaché,
Saudi Arabia